
^c 










M *V DOUO BRICK CHURCH CHAPEL 



A MEMOIR 

OF 

THE REV. LEGH RICHMOND, A. M. 

OF TRINITY COLLEGE, CAMBRIDGE J 

RECTOR OF TURVEY, BEDFORDSHIRE; AND CHAPLAIN TO HIS 
ROYAL HIGHNESS THE LATE DUKE OF KENT 



BY THE REV. T. S. GRIMSHAWE, A. M. 

RECTOR OF BURTON-LATIMER, NORTHAMPTONSHIRE ; AND 
VICAR OF BIDDENHAM, BEDFORDSHIRE. 



Nihil metus in vultu : gratia oris supererat : bonum virum facile credereft 
magnum libentur. — Tac. Agric. vit. p. 128. 



EIGHTH AMERICAN, 

FROM THE LAST LONDON EDITION. 



M. W. DODD, NEW YORK, 

BRICK CHURCH CHAPEL, 
Opposite the City Hall. 

1845. 







VLTKSi. 



LMvJpw^z^iAj 



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^ PREFACE. 



In presenting the following Memoir to the public, the edi- 
tor has to express his regret that it should make its appear- 
ance so much later than the period originally designed, and 
under another name than what was announced in the prospec- 
tus. In explanation of both circumstances, ij, is necessary to 
state, that the execution of the present work was first propo- 
sed to the editor by the family and more immediate friends of 
Mr. Richmond ; but his state of health at that time, and his 
temporary residence on the Continent for its recovery, oppo- 
sed an insuperable difficulty. 

In the meantime, the Rev. Henry Gauntlett, vicar of 
Olney, Bucks, and well known as the author of the "Exposi- 
tion of the Book of Revelation," kindly engaged to undertake 
this necessary tribute of respect to the memory of an eminent 
minister and faithful servant of God, as well as to yield to the 
wishes and solicitations of the Christian public. 

On the editor's return from the Continent, in the autumn of 
1827, a renewal of the former proposition was made to him, 
from a persuasion on the part of the family, that his long 
habits of confidential intercourse with Mr. Richmond, and 
their frequent participation in the same objects, might afford 
advantages which his friend Mr. Gauntlett did not possess 
in the same degree. The manner in which Mr. Gauntlett 
complied with the known wishes of the family, proves the 
disinterested and Christian spirit by which he was actuated ; 



PREFACE. 

and indeed forms, in conjunction with tlie above urgent 
intreaty, the warrant and authority for the present underta 
king. 

The editor furtlier avails liimself of tliis opportunity tc 
avow his personal obHgations to Mr. Gauxtlett. for the 
various materials he has supplied, relative to the earlier part 
of Mr. Richmond's life and ministry, and for the general use 
he kindly allowed of the papers and documents which he had 
prepared. 

To the Rev. J. Fry, Rector of Emberton, the editor is 
indebted for correcting and revising the press, as well as foi 
some judicious suggestions. 

He also begs to present his acknowledgments to the rela- 
tives, and numerous correspondents of Mr. Richmond, who 
have furnished him with so many interesting letters for inser- 
tion in the present Memoir. 

Circumstances, over which he has had no control, have 
rery much restricted him in the time necessary for comple- 
ting his undertaking. On these grounds, he has to solicit the 
indulgence of the public. He cannot dismiss the work, with- 
out expressing his earnest prayer that its perusal may be ac- 
companied by the divine blessing ; and that it may be made 
subservient to the increase of piety in our own Church, and 
to the general edification of the Church of Christ among all 
who read it. 



CONTENTS. 



CHAP. I. 



i*aga 



Pi eliminary remarks — Birth of Leg-h Richmond — His ancestry ; edu- 
cation ; and incidents of early years — Promise of talent — Completion 
of his education at school , 9 

CHAP. H. 

Comprising* the period from his entrance at the University, till his mar- 
riage, and acceptance of the curacy of Brading* in the Isle of Wight. 13 

CHAP. IIL 

His entrance on his professional duties — Remarkable change in his 
views and conduct, and the incident that occasioned it — Reflections 
on the foregoing event. 20 

CHAP. IV. 

Developement of his character — ^Dedication of his time and thoughts to 
profitable objects — Fondness for the scenes of nature — Spiritual re- 
flections upon them — Zeal in his ministerial duties — Letters and 
Diary — Remarks. 26 

CHAP. V. 
Relation of circumstances occurring during the period of the foregoing 
chapter. 48 

CHAP. VI. 

His removal from the Isle of Wight — Temporary connexion with the 
Lock Hospital, in London — and final settlement at Turvey. . . 61 

CHAP. VIL 
Commencement of his ministerial labours at Turvey — Former state of 
the parish — Plans and exertions for its improvement — Judicious rules 
and regulations of his Friendly Society — Effect of his exertions — 
His ' Fathers of the English Church' — Doctrine and mode of preach- 
ing — Brief reflections on controversy 66 

CHAP. VIH. 

His talent for extempore preaching — Authority and expediency of this 
mode considered — Family letters — Commencement of the editor's ac 
quaintance with him — Public institutions — Vindication of their cha- 
racter, necessity, and usefulness. 88 



CONTENTS. 



CHAP. IX. 



Page 



His anniversary sermon for the Church Missionary Society— Meeting- 
at Bedford, in behalf of the Jews — Bedfordshire Bible Society—Tours 
for the Jewish and Church Missionary Societies — Extracts from his 
Journals — Success of these tours — Their influence on the general 
interests of relicrion — On his own personal improvement — On that ol 
his paridh and family. . 119 

CHAP. X. 
Detection of an extraordinary imposture by Mr. Richmond — Publica- 
♦ ion of his tracts— Review of them— Their great popularity and cx- 
icnsive circulation, &c. — American editions — Remarks on the sub- 
ject- -Mr. Richmond's connexion with the Tract Society. . . 16? 

CHAP. XI. 

His appointment as chaplain to the Duke of Kent— Mrs. Richmond's 
illness— New school-room— Report of his son's death — Embarrass- 
ment, arising from his publication of ' The Fathers of the English 
Church' — Interview with the Emperor of Russia — Letters to and 
from his Imperial Majesty — Princess Metstchersky — Letters to Mrs. 
Livius — Verses written on the marriage of a friend's daughter. . 180 

CHAP. xn. 

Letters — Poetry — Description of Lake scenery — Brief account of his 
first tour to Scotland — His sentiments on Oratorios — Tribute to the 
memory of his mother, &c. 201 

CHAP. XIIL 
A Tribute of affectionate veneration for the memory of a deceased 
Mother ; — in a series of Letters to his Children. By the Rev. Legh 
Richmond . 215 

CHAP. XIV 

Letter, and verses — Extracts from Diary — Tours to Scotland — lona— 

Letters; friendly, family, and pastoral — ^Memoir of Miss Sinclair. . 241 

CHAP. XV. 

Death of his infant — Marriage of his eldest daughter — Visit to the 
North of Ireland — Texts on the walls of liis church — Extract of a 
letter to liis daughter F — . — Isle of Wight tour — Pastoral letter — 
Journal — His son Will^erforce's illness and death — Reflections — 
Marriage of his daughter H — . — Nugent's shipwreck, and death — 
Letters — Apocryplud question — Mr. Richmond's opinion on the mode 
of preaching to the Jews — His sentiments on other subjects— Journey 
to Cromer — Conversation w ith tlie editor — Meditation in his study. 2G9 

CHAP. XVL 
CloBing' scene — Funeral — Remarks on his character, &c* • . . 'J20 



MEMOIRS. 



CHAPTER I. 

Preliminary remarks — Birth of Legh Richmond— His ancestry ; education ; and incident* 
of early years— Promise of talent r- Completion of his education at school. 

To record the excellences of departed worth, and to endeavour to 
perpetuate their remembrance, is a tribute no less due to the present 
than to succeeding generations. Biography, indeed, has usually 
selected, as the subject of its memoirs, the lives of heroes and states- 
men, in preference to the milder though more useful virtues of the 
pious and the good ; because the passions and interests of men never 
fail to be excited by the achievements of war, and the disclosures 
of the cabinet. But in pleading the cause of religious biography, 
may we not urge the superior importance of its subject, and the 
hallowed tendency of its aim 1 Is the skill and discernment, em- 
ployed in increasing the resources and glory of earthly kingdoms, 
to be compared with the divine science of saving immortal souls 1 
Are the triumphs of the cause of God less real, because they are 
eternal ? Are its victories less interesting, because their object is to 
contract the limits of death and sin, and to extend the empire of the 
Son of God 1 It is no small praise to the age in which we live, that 
religion begins at length to assume the pre-eminence which its high 
claims and heaven-born character demand. The drama of human 
life has long been characterized by portentous events ; and reflect- 
ing minds seem disposed to recognise in the past convulsions of em- 
pires, as well as in the elements of discord that are silently prepar- 
ing the way for new conflicts, that an Almighty hand intends to 
make these events subservient to the accomplishment of his purposes, 
and to the establishment of his kingdom. 

Among those who have contributed to the revival of religion in 
the present day, the subject of the following memoir stands highly 
distinguished. His name has been too long associated with every 
exertion to promote the growth of piety, both at home and abroad, 
not to have excited a very general solicitude for whatever may ' 
illustrate the history and character of a man, who has so often de- 
lighted the public by his eloquence, stimulated it by his zeal, and 
edified it by his example. It is to comply with this desire, as well 



10 REV. LEGH RICHMOND. 

as to fulfil the claims of a long and most confidental intercourse 
that the present memoir is now presented. 

The Rev. Legh Richmond was descended from an ancestry hign- 
ly respectable on the side of both his parents, each of whom was 
related to some of the principal families in the counties of Lancas- 
ter and Chester. His father, Dr. Henry Richmond, practised as a 
physician, first at Liverpool, and afterwards at Bath, where he resi- 
ded for several years. His death occurred at Stockport, in Cheshire, 
in the year 1806; of which place the Rev. Legh Richmond, grand 
father to the subject of this memoir, was formerly rector. 

Dr. Henry Richmond was the fifth in lineal male descent from 
Oliver Richmond, Esq. of Ashton Keynes, in the county of Wilts, on 
which estate his ancestors had resided from the time of the Conquest. 

The mother of Mr. Richmond was the daughter of John Ather- 
ton, Esq. of Walton Hall, near Liverpool, and by the maternal side 
first cousin to Dr. Henry Richmond. 

As some additional account of the family appears in the pro- 
gress of this work, recorded by his own pen, any farther statement 
in this place would be superfluous. 

Legh Richmond was born at Liverpool, on January 29th, 1772. 
It w^as his privilege to have a most estimable mother, endued with 
a superior understanding, which had been cultivated and improved 
by an excellent education and subsequent study. In addition to 
her natural talents and acquirements, she uniformly manifested a 
deep sense of the importance of religion. 

This affectionate and conscientious parent anxiously instructed 
him, from his infancy, in the Holy Scriptures, and in the principles 
of religion, as far as her own knowledge and experience enabled 
her; a duty which was subsequently well repaid by her son, who 
became the happy and honoured instrument of imparting to his 
beloved mother clearer and more enlarged views of divine truth 
than were generally prevalent during the last generation. It seems 
highly probable that the seeds of piety were then sown, which in a 
future period, and under circumstances of a providential nature, 
were destined to produce a ricli and abundant harvest. 

Ye that are mothers, and whose office it more peculiarly is to 
instil into the minds of your- offspring an habitual reverence for 
God, and a knowledge of the truths of the Gospel; be earnest in 
your endeavours to fulfil the duties which Providence has assigned 
to you, and which your tenderness, your affection, and the con- 
stant recurrence of favourable opportunities, so admirably fit you 
to discharge. Consecrate them to God in early youth ; and re- 



REV, LEGH RICHMOND. 11 

member that the child of many prayers is in possession of a richer 
treasure than the heir of the amplest honours and the highest dig- 
nities : for the child of many prayers can never perish, so long as 
prayer is availing. To faith all things are possible, and the promise 
stands firm, "I will pour my spirit upon thy seed, and my blessing 
upon thine offspring. Pray then for them, and with them. There is 
an efficacy in the bended knee, in the outstretched hand, in the uplift- 
ed heart, in the accents of prayer issuing from the lips of a mother, 
supplicating God to bless her child, which faith may interpret for 
its encouragement, and the future shall one day realise. There is 
also a solemnity in the act itself, peculiarly calculated to elicit all 
the best feelings of the heart, and to quicken it in the diligent use of 
the means most adapted, through divine mercy, to insure the bless- 
ing. 

Discouragements may arise ; — impressions that once excited hope 
may vanish; — the fruit may not be apparent; yet, in after-times, 
under circumstances of the most unpromising nature — amid scenes, 
perhaps, of folly, vice, and dissipation — or in the more sober mo- 
ments of sickness and sorrow, the remembrance of a praying mo- 
ther may present itself with overwhelming emotions to the heart. 
The events of early days may rise up in quick succession before the 
mind, until the long-lost wanderer, recovered from his slumber of 
death and sin, may live to be a monument of the pardoning mercy 
of God, and his last accents be those of gratitude and praise for a 
pious mother. 

It was in the period of Legh Richmond's childhood, that the acci- 
dent occurred which occasioned the lameness to which he was sub- 
ject during the remainder of his life. In leaping from a wall, he 
fell with violence to the ground, and injured the left leg, so as to 
contract its growth, and impair its strength. It is a remarkable 
coincidence, that somev/hat of a similar occurrence befel one of his 
own sons, and was attended with precisely the same effects. It was 
in consequence of this accident that Mr. Richmond received the ru- 
diments of his early education under the sole tuition of his father, 
who was an excellent classical scholar, and well acquainted with 
literature in general. 

In addition to his proficiency in classical and other elementary 
studies, he made considerable progress, during this period, in the 
science of music ; a predilection for which, he retained to the end of 
his life. 

The activity of his mind soon began to develope itself. Some 
specimens of the productions of his early years have been preserv- 
ed by the partiality of his friends ; and as youthful talent generally 



12 MEMOIRS OF THE 

deliglits to assume a poetic form, his first efforts were devoted to 
the Muses. 

We insert tlie following, which were written when he was twelve 
years of age : — 

nefore the eaxih and soa to man were given, 
Or stars were spotted o'er the crj'stal heaven ; 
• The face of nature was ihrou-zhout the same — 

A rusged heap, and Chaos wa-s its name ; 
Nor any thing but piled-up heaps were there, 
And earth and sea were njixed with fire and air : 
No radiant sun by day afforded light, 
Nor waning Piioibe shone in midst of night : 
Nor eartli self poised in fluid air was placed, 
Or sea, with circling arms, the earth embraced. 

ON THE MORNING. 

Behold, the earth is clad in sober gray, 
And twinkling stars foretell the approach ofdaj. 
The hare runs timid o'er the bladed grass. 
And early shepherds on the meadows pass. 
In splendid majesty the morning star 
Welcomes Aurora in her rosy car. 
The lark, the early herald of the morn. 
Whose tender sides soft gentle plumes adorn, 
Flies from her nest above all human sight. 
And to the skies sublime she bends her flight 
Her pleasing notes the ambient hills repeat, 
And day o'er half the world resumes its seat ; 
The 'splendent sun's ethereal light appears. 
And nature wipes away her dewy tears. — 

A few lines in imitation of Pope, may be considered as no un- 
iuccessful illustration of the poet's rule : — 

'Tis not enough, no harshness gives oflence, 
The sound should seem an echo to the sense.' — 
The line should soften when the bleat of sheep 
And gentle zephyrs sooth to placid sleep ; 
When din of rattling thunderbolts is heard, 
The roughest words to softer are preferred 
When purling rivulets translucent glide, 
The liquid letters then should form a tide. 
Within a labyrinth, the line seems vext, 
Mazy, inextricable, and i^erplcxU 
But when the rougher storms fierce rage on high. 
And heave the angry billows to the sky ; 
When rattling rain comes hissing down in showers, 
And to the whirlixx)! in a torrent pours ; 
The line should rage, and every letter move. 
As if great Jove was storming from above. 

In the year 1784, wlien Legh Richmond was in his thirteenth 
year, he was consigned totlie care of Mr. Breach, of Reading, for 
the purpose of obtaining further assistance on account of his larae- 
nei5:^ as well as to pursue the course of his education. He was 



REV. LEGH RICHMOND. 13 

subsequently removed to Blanford, in Dorsetshire, and placed under 
the tuition of the Rev. Mr. Jones, vicar of Loders, and curate of 
Blandford ; and having made a very creditable proficiency in his 
studies, and completed his education at school, he was finally sent, 
in the year 1789, being then seventeen years of age, to the univer- 
sity of Cambridge. 



CHAPTER n. 

Comprising the period from his entrance at the University^ to his marriage^ and aC' 
ceptance of the curacy of Brading in the Isle of Wight. 

Mr. Richmond was entered at Trinity College, Cambridge, in 
the month of August, 1789. The following particulars have been 
communicated in a letter from the Reverend A. J. Crespin, vicar 
of Renhold, Bedfordshire, a contemporary^ of his in the University, 
and with whom he formed an intimate friendship, which continued 
to the period of his death. 

" I perfectly well remember that our dear departed friend came 
to Cambridge for admission about Midsummer, in the year 1789. 
I was just one year his senior. It was then the custom at Trinity 
College, that one of the under-graduates should take the candidate 
for admission to the dean, and to one or two others, and then to 
the master, for examination. It fell to my lot to perform this office 
for Legh Richmond, and thus our friendship commenced. He 
came into residence, according to the usual plan, in the following 
October; we were both among the candidates for foundation scho- 
larships, and after a public examination of two or three days, we 
were happy in finding our names among the successful candidates ; 
and as we afterwards dined every day at the same table, the bands 
of our friendship were drawn still closer. * * * 

" I can with perfect truth affirm, that during the under-graduate- 
ship of Mr. Richmond, he applied himself closelj^ to his studies, 
and was considered and acknowledged by all, to be a young man 
of great abilities and correct conduct." 

A letter from the Rev. William Tate, chaplain of the Dock-yard, 
Portsmouth, and tutor of the naval academy, contains a further and 
more detailed account of Mr. Richmond's residence at college. 

" Mr. Richmond and myself were of the same year at Cambridge, 
and had the same college tutor, the late Rev. Thomas Jones. We 
wore not, however, in the same lecture room till within a year of 
our taking the degree of A. B.; hence cur intimacy did not com- 
mence till about the beginning of 1793. Mr. Richmond came to 
college with a high character for his proficiency, both in classics 

2 



14 MEMOIRS OF THE 

and mathematics. In fact, I often heard him spoken of as likely 
to be one of the third or fourth highest wranglers. At the annual 
college examination in May, he was each year in the first class, 
and consequently was a prize-man. I do not recollect that he ever 
was a candidate for a University prize ; indeed, I think that al- 
though he was an extremely good classic, he did not consider him- 
self sufficiently practised in writing Greek or Latin verse, to ven- 
ture a competition in this respect with the distinguished men from 
the great public schools. 

" That he had a great fondness for social life is not to be won- 
dered at, as he was so well informed on most subjects, and had 
such a fluency of language, that conversation with him never 
flagged, and his company was generally acceptable. He visited at 
the Lodge, Dr. Postlethwaite being then master, and was noticed 
by some of the senior fellows, in consequence, I presume, of their 
having been friends of his father. Dr. Richmond, who had himself 
been a fellow of the college, and whose name stands in the Tripos 
as having been the tenth senior optime, in January, 1764. 

" Mr. Richmond's great recreation was music, in which I sup- 
pose you are aware he was eminently skilled. He always had a 
piano-forte in his room, and played on the organ also. To any 
tune he could, as he played, make an extempore thorough bass. 
His musical talents gave rise to a great intimacy and friendship 
with the late Dr. Hague, the professor of music, and also with Dr. 
Jowett, then tutor of Trinity Hall, who used to have frequent mu- 
sical parties at his apartments, at which I believe Mr. Richmond 
was gener2dly present. He was at all times attentive to the stu- 
dies of the University, and preserved, throughout, the character of 
a reading man. Mr. Copley, (now the Lord Chancellor) had apart- 
ments directly under those of Mr. Richmond, and as they were 
both reading hard, they commonly, for some months before taking 
the degree of A. B., had coffee together after midnight. He went 
through the public exercises of the schools, preparatory to his de- 
gree, with great credit, and was accordingly placed by the mode- 
rator in the first class. Owing, however, to ill health, he did not 
go into the senate-house to stand the final examination. Dr. But- 
ler, master of Harrow School, was the senior wrangler, and Mr. 
Copley the second; and I have a printed Tripos for 1794, now 
lying before me. at the bottom of which are the following words. — 

i Ds. Ashworth, Eman, ) '" '"^ QuaDstionistanim 

CEgrc»t. \ > clause a moderatohbus 

f Ds. Richmond, Trin. i . . 

V J censcbantur. 



REV. LEGH RICHMOND. 15 

"I believe our year was the last in which those who went out 
CEgrot. in the first class, were noticed in the Tripos. Ever since, 
the names of such graduates have been omitted in the list of ho- 
nours; and the Cambridge Calendar, in giving a list of honours 
for each year, has omitted the names of the (Egrot. in 1794, and 
all the preceding years, although they were actually printed in the 
original lists. Mr. Richmond was for some years collectmg mate- 
rials for a great work which he intended to publish, on the theory 
as well as history of music. After taking his degree, he applied 
himself with great ardour to his favourite study, and took much 
pains to provide materials for his intended musical publication, 
which he hoped might be ready for the press in the course of two 
or three years. I have frequently sat with him, while, for hours 
together, he was making experiments with his musical plates, of 
which he had a great number, some of glass and some of copper, 
of all the common regular forms ; as circles, ellipses, squares, rhom- 
buses, pentagons, &c. These he screwed down at a particular 
point, so as to be perfectly horizontal ; and then, having sprinkled 
fine sand over the surface, the bow of a violin was drawn across 
the edge, so as to draw forth a musical note ; and, by the vibration 
thus caused, the sand was shaken from the vibrating parts, and be- 
came collected in one line or more, formed by the quiescent points. 
It seemed very remarkable, that whenever that particular note, 
which was the fundamental of any plate, was sounded by it, the 
sand invariably took the form of a cross, having its centre in the 
centre of the plate. All other notes, which could be sounded by 
the same plate, diverged from the fundamental note, according to 
a certain scale; and every one caused the sand to take a different 
form. Sometimes it seemed to take the figure of two opposite hy- 
perbolas ; but in whatever form it rested, the figures on the differ- 
ent sides of a straight line, drawn through the centre of the plate, 
were exactly the counterparts of each other. The lines formed by 
the quiescent points, in the vibrations of such plates, were calcu- 
lated by Euler, as may be seen by the Transactions of the Impe- 
rial Society of Petersburg, (Acta Petropolitana ;) but the results 
are little satisfactory, being commonly expressed in hyperbolic 
forms, and not assuming a tangible shape. 

" About this time Mr. Richmond was member of a small club, 
formed by six or eight Trinity men, for the discussion of philoso- 
phical subjects. They met once a week at each other's rooms ; 
and, to prevent expense in giving suppers, nothing more was to be 
provided than red-herrings, bread, cheese, and beer. Hence they 



16 MEMOIUS OF THE 

called this society the " Red-Herring Club." The respectability of 
the members appears from this circumstance, that nearly every one 
obtained a fellowship. Mr. Richmond took a leading part at this 
time in another small society, which was named "The Harmonic 
Society." The members were nuisical amateurs, who, in turn, gave 
a concert every fortnight, at which, with the help of two or three 
hired musicians, they performed pieces out of Handel and other 
celebrated composers, together with catches, glees, &c. In 1796 
was published, by Mr. Dixon, a townsman of Cambridge, and one 
of the members of the Harmonic Society, a collection of glees and 
rounds, for three, four, and five voices, composed by the members 
of that society. In this publication, out of seventeen pieces, seven 
were contributed by Mr. Richmond. 

"In 1796, IVIr. Richmond began seriously to think of taking or- 
ders, and of marrying on a curacy. In that situation, he intended 
conscientiously to do his duty, though he had not the deep sense 
he afterwards entertained of the vast importance and responsibility 
of the charge he was about to undertake." 

The important period to which Mr. Tate alludes was now arrived, 
when it became necessary that he should no longer delay his choice 
of a profession — that choice, which exercises so powerful an influ- 
ence over all the events and circumstances of future life, and in 
which our usefulness and moral responsibility are so deeply in- 
volved. 

It was the wish and intention of Dr. Richmond that his son should 
direct his attention to the law, with the view of being called to the 
bar ; but the predominant views of his mind, after taking his degree 
will appear in the following letter : — 

" Cambridge, Feb. ISth, 1794. 
"My dear Father, 

" It has long been my wish to write to you on the subject which 
has occupied so much of my attention of late ; and on which, dur- 
ing the solemn interval of my confinement, I had more frequent 
opportunities of meditating than on any former occasion. I hope 
and trust that I have thought more seriously on this subject, and 
have pursued a more regular train of sound rctisoning and self- 
examination on account of my illness, than if I had enjoyed an un- 
interrupted series of good health. The time is now arrived when, 
after having p<\ssed through the regular forms of an academic edu- 
cation, it is expected tliat a young man should select his profession; 
and on the foundation (which he either has, or ought to have laid 



REV. LEGH RICHMOND. 17 

in the university) of sound learning and good morals, should begin 
to raise a superstructure of such materials as may render him an 
ornament to his profession, and a satisfaction to his friends. 

" I should here feel myself guilty of much ingratitude, or at 
least of much unpardonable neglect, if I did not, at this period of 
my life, return you my most sincere and unfeigned thanks for the 
repeated testimonies of affection and generosity, which I have ex- 
perienced for upwards of two-and-twenty years at your hands : 
more especially do I feel myself indebted to you, during the last 
four years, for placing me in a situation in w^hich I have enjoyed 
numberless happy hours ; have formed friendships and connexions, 
which are a source of honest pride and satisfaction ; and have had 
an opportunity (which I hope I have not entirely thrown away) 
of making great proficiency in such studies and acquirements, as 
must and will be the chief basis of my future usefulness and hap- 
piness. If such be the obligations which I owe to your kindness, 
what must be my insensibility to every tie of affection, and to 
every principle of honourable feeling, were I deficient in my ex- 
pressions of gratitude to the benevolent author of so many bless- 
ings. Indeed, sir, I am neither ungrateful nor insensible. It has 
not been my custom, hitherto, to make long professions, nor to 
enter into a detail of my internal feelings ; and, perhaps, owing to 
a deficiency of this kind, I may have suffered in your opinion, on 
some particular occasions, more than I deserved. It now appears, 
therefore, to be the more advisable to unfold myself at large, ob- 
serving, at the same time, that the chief faults and errors of which 
I hitherto have been, and of which I am still, I fear, too suscepti- 
ble,' have not arisen from any source of moral depravity, or innate 
viciousness ; but from an evil, which I see much too prevalent 
among young men, and from the contagion of which I have not 
been entirely able to escape ; I mean, the want of resolution to 
resist temptation, when it is opposed to their better convictions. A 
very moderate acquaintance with the younger part, at least, of 
mankind, will convince any observer, that a certain degree of irre- 
solution is by no means inconsistent with many better qualities, 
and often has its origin rather in the influence of external example, 
than in any real viciousness of the heart. But I can truly say, that 
I am very desirous of becoming such as your most sanguine 
wishes could expect, and I look up to a superior Power for assist 
ance not to violate these my resolutions. 

" It appears to me, that in reviewing the respective merits of tlie 
different professions, and in determining upon one of them, a very 



18 ' MEMOIRS OF THE 

intimate self-examination is requisite, previous to the formation of 
any fixed resolution. It has been my endeavour for five months 
past to pursue this difficult undertaking; and I hope I have not 
failed in the attempt The church and the law are the two sub- 
jects to whicli I have directed my attention. I have consulted my 
own inclinations, abilities, deficiencies, merits and demerits, and 
examined them in as many points of view as I have been able, in 
order to determine which of those professions was the best calcu- 
lated to promote my own happiness, and the welfare of others. 
My present determination is in favour of the former, principally 
from the following considerations. The sacred profession is in 
itself witliout doubt tlie most respectable and the most useful in 
which any man of principle and education can possibly be en- 
gaged. The benefits which it is the province of the clergyman to 
bestow on his fellow-creatures are more widely disseminated, and 
are in themselves more intrinsically valuable, than those of every 
other profession or employment united together. To a conscien- 
tious mind, therefore, that line of life appears to be the most eligi- 
ble, in which he may be enabled to do the most solid good to 
mankind. 

" One further argument with myself for preferring the church 
to the law is, that I have found, from four years' experience, a 
strong inclination to study several branches of literature, which 
are far more connected with the church than with the law, as 
neither their nature nor tlie time requisite to be bestowed upon 
them would allow the lawyer to exercise himself in them. What 
these are shall be the subject of future information to you. At 
present, my desire of becoming a very good general scholar is so 
much stronger than that of becoming an extremely good par- 
ticular one, that I am convinced I could not throw aside the hopes 
of pursuing my favourite views in that way, and dedicating myself 
solely to one, and that perhaps not the most inviting, without the 
utmost regret. 

"Your affectionate son, 

Legh Richmond." 

In these views Dr. Richmond ultimately expressed his acqui- 
escence, though his own wishes inclined him to recommend the 
choice of the bar ; and thus was the profesj?ion of the church de- 
termined upon, for which he subsequently proved to be so singu- 
larly qualified, and in which his influence and services were so 
widely felt and acknowledged. 



REV. LEGH RICHMOND. 19 

He continued to reside at Cambridge till the end of the Midsum- 
mer term, in 1797, pursuing those studies which were more imme- 
diately connected with his future destination. 

The following letter, the last that he wrote from college to his 
father, expresses his sentiments more fully on the subject of the 
ministry, and of his preparation for those duties, on which he was 
now on the eve of entering. It is dated June 30th, 1797. 

" My dear Father, 

" I take this opportunity of returning you my most hearty 
and sincere thanks for all your kindness to me during my stay at 
Cambridge, for nearly the last eight years. I look back on the 
time which I have there spent, with a considerable mixture of pain 
and pleasure. That I have done things which I ought not to have 
done, and neglected to do things which I ought to have done, is 
most true : yet have I added very considerably to my stock of 
literary information — have gained the good-will and approbation 
of many respectable and good men — have made acquaintances and 
friends of several literary and worthy characters — have enabled 
myself, I trust, by the improvement of my abilities, such as they 
are, hereafter to maintain myself. I have also had an opportunity 
of contemplating men, manners, and morals, to a very extensive 
degree ; and finally, in an age of much infidelity, and surrounded 
by many whose principles savoured strongly of irreligion, I have 
built up a fabric of confidence in, and love for, that holy religion 
of which I am now a professor. To this I ultimately look as my 
future guide through life, and hope it will enable me to bear with 
fortitude those evils which may be in store for me ; for who can 
expect exemption ? In return for these advantages, I have to offer 
you my gratitude, and my affection ; and let what will hereafter 
become of me, bear in mind that it is not in the power of any thing 
human to lessen either the one or the other. I am now preparing 
to undertake what I cannot but consider as a most serious and 
weighty charge — the sole responsibility, as resident clergyman of 
two parishes. So far as information is required, I hope I have not 
laboured in vain ; so far as good resolution is concerned, I trust I 
am not deficient : as regards my success and future conduct in this 
important calling, I pray God's assistance to enable me to do my 
duty, and to become a worthy member of the Established Church ; 
a church founded on the purest and most exalted principles of 
imsophisticated Christianity, as delivered by its divine author him- 
self, and confirmed and explained by his inspired successors. The 



20 MEMOIRS OF THE 

character of a fashionable parson is my aversion ; that of an igno- 
rant or careless one, I see with pity and contempt ; that of a dissi- 
pated one, with shame ; and that of an unbelieving one, with hor- 
ror. I WMsh you to read a little book lately published, intituled, 
'Dialogues on the Amusements of Clergymen.' You will be 
pleased with it, as will my mother also, I am certain. I am very 
busy preparing sermons for my future flock. It requires much 
practice to write with fluency and ease. Believe me to be, w^ith 
every sentiment of regard and affection, 

" Your son, 

L. Richmond." 

** To Dr. Richmond, 
Grecian Coffee House, London.''^ 

Mr. Richmond was ordained deacon in the month of June, 
1797, and took the degree of M. A. the beginning of July, in the 
same year. On the 22d of the same month, he was married to 
Mary, only daughter of James William Chambers, Esq. of the city 
of Bath ; immediately after which, he proceeded to the Isle of 
Wight, and entered upon the curacies of the adjoining parishes of 
Brading and Yaverland, on the 24th of July. He was ordained 
priest in February, 1798. 



CHAPTER III. 

His entrance on his professional duties — Remnrkable change in his views and conduct, 

and the incident that occasioned it — Rcjlcctions on the foregoing event. 

Mr. Richmond appears to have entered on the ministry with 
the desire and aim of discharging its important duties in a con- 
scientious manner ; and he manifested such propriety of conduct 
in his moral deportment, and in the general duties of his new charge, 
as to procure for him the character of a highly respectable and 
useful young clergyman. A few months, however, after his resi- 
dence at Brading, a most important revolution took place in his 
views and sentiments, which produced a striking and prominent 
change in tlie manner and matter of his preacliing, as well as in 
the general tenor and conduct of his life. This change was not a 
conversion from immorality to morality ; for he was strictly mo- 
ral, in the usual acceptation of the term. Neither was it a conver- 
sion from het(Todoxy to orthodoxy ; but it was a conversion from 
orthodoxy in name and profession, to orthodoxy in its spirit, ten- 



REV. LEGH RICHMOND. 21 

dency, and influence. But, before we indulge in any further re- 
marks, it is necessary to record the particulars of the occurrence 
to which we have alluded. Shortly after he had entered on his cu- 
racies, one of his college friends was on the eve of taking holy or- 
ders, to whom a near relative had sent Mr. Wilberforce's ' Practi- 
cal View of Christianity.' This thoughtless candidate for the mo- 
mentous charge of the Christian ministry, forwarded the book to 
Mr. Richmond, requesting him to give it a perusal, and to inform 
what he must say respecting its contents. In compliance with this 
request, he began to read the book, and found himself so deeply in- 
terested in its contents, that the volume was not laid down until 
the perusal of it was completed. The night was spent in reading 
and reflecting upon the important truths contained in this valuable 
and impressive work. In the course of his employment, the soul 
of the reader was penetrated to its inmost recesses ; and the effect 
produced in innumerable instances by the book of God, was, in this 
case, accomplished by means of a human composition. From that 
period his mind received a powerful impulse, and was no longer 
able to rest under its former impressions. A change was effected 
m his views of divine truth, as decided as it was influential. He 
was no longer satisfied with the creed of the speculatist — he felt a 
conviction of his own state, as a guilty and condemned sinner, and 
under that conviction, he sought mercy at the cross of the Saviour. 
There arose in his mind a solemn consciousness that, however out- 
wardly moral and apparently irreproachable his conduct might ap- 
pear to men, yet, within^ there was wanting that entire surrender 
of the heart, that ascendancy of God in the soul, and that devoted- 
ness of life and conduct, which distinguishes morality from holi- 
ness — an assent to divine truth, from its cordial reception into the 
heart ; and the external profession of religion, from its inward and 
transforming power. The impressions awakened were, therefore, 
followed by a transfer of his time, his talents, and his affections, to 
the service of his God and Saviour, and to the spiritual welfare 
of the flock committed to his care. But while his mind was un- 
dergoing this inw^ard process, it is necessary to state how laborious 
he was in his search after truth. The Bible became the frequent 
and earnest subject of his examination, prayer, and meditation. 
His object was fontes haurire sacros— -to explore truth at its 
fountain head, or, in the emphatic language of Scripture, to " draw 
water out of the wells of salvation." From the study of the Bi- 
ble, he proceeded to a minute examination of the writings of the 
Reformers, which, by a singular coincidence, came into his pos- 



22 MEMOIRS OF THE 

session shortly after this period ; and having from these various 
sources acquired increasing certainty as to the correctness of his 
recent convictions, and stabihty in holding them, he found, what 
the sincere and conscientious inquirer will always find, the Truth ; 
and his heart being interested, he learnt truth through the heart, 
and believed it, because he felt it. 

His own account of the effect produced on his mind by the peru- 
sal of Mr. Wilberforce's book, will excite the interest of the reader. 
Speaking of his son, Wilberforce, he remarks:— 

'' He was baptized by the name of Wilberforce, in consequence 
of my personal frijcndship with that individual, whose name long 
has been, and ever will be, allied to all that is able, amiable, and 
truly Christian. That gentleman had already accepted the office 
of sponsor to one of my daughters ; but the subsequent birth of 
this boy afforded me the additional satisfaction of more familiarly 
associating his name with that of my family. But it was not the 
tie of ordinary friendship, nor the veneration which, in common 
with multitudes, I felt for the name of Wilberforce, which in- 
duced me to give that name to my child : there had, for many years 
past, subsisted a tie between myself and that much loved friend, ol 
a higher and more sacred character than any other which eartli 
can afford. I feel it to be a debt of gratitude, which I owe to God 
and to man, to take this affecting opportunity of stating, that to 
the unsought and unexpected introduction of Mr. Wilberforce's 
book on ' Practical Christianity,' I owe, through God's mercy, the 
first sacred impression which I ever received, as to the spiritual na- 
ture of the Gospel system, the vital character of personal religion, 
the corruption of the human heart, and the way of salvation by 
Jesus Christ. As a young minister, recently ordained, and just 
entrusted with the charge of two parishes in the Isle of Wight, I 
had commenced my labours too much in the spirit of the world, 
and founded my public instructions on the erroneous notions 
which prevailed amongst my academical and literary associates. 
The scriptural principles stated in the ' Practical View,' convinced 
me of my error ; led me to the study of the Scriptures with an ear- 
nestness to which I had hitherto been a stranger ; humbled my 
lioart, and brought me to seek the love and blessing of that Saviour, 
who alone can afford a peace which the world cannot give. Through 
tlie study of this book, I was induced to examine the writings of 
tlie British and Foreign Reformers. I saw the coincidence of their 
doctrines with those of the scriptures, and those which the word of 
Gorl taught me to be essential to the welfare of myself and my flock. 



REV. LEGH RICHMOND. 23 

I know too well what has passed within my heart, for now a long 
period of time, not to feel and to confess, that to tliis incident I was 
indebted, originally, for those solid views of Christianity, on which 
I rest my hope for time and eternity. May I not, then, call the 
honoured author of that book my spiritual father ? And if my 
spiritual father, therefore my best earthly friend ? The wish to 
connect his name with my own, was natural and justifiable. It 
was a lasting memorial of the most important transaction of my 
life : it still lives amidst the tenderness of present emotions, as a 
signal of endearment and gratitude 3 and I trust its character is im- 
perishable." 

Though Mr. Richmond's mind and heart were experiencing the 
remarkable change that has been recorded, it is necessary to state 
that the regularity and decorum with which he was previously 
discharging his duties, far exceeded those of many other min- 
isters. If then, notwithstanding these exertions, he was still con- 
scious how much he fell short of the standard of ministerial faith- 
fulness and zeal, and the requirements of personal holiness ; 
may we not ask, what ought to be the convictions of those who 
evince a far less degree of earnestness, where the claims are pre- 
cisely the same, and the obligations to fulfil them are equally bind- 
ing ? If he felt the need within of a more operative principle of 
divine grace, as the only genuine source of inward and external 
holiness ; what must be their state, who, with greater deficiencies, 
experience no conflict of the mind, no secret misgivings of the con- 
science ? If, in his ardent inquiry after truth, he meditated over 
the sacred page, and explored the voluminous writings of the Re- 
formers, what is their responsibility who rest in a system without 
an endeavour to ascertain its correctness ; who give to the world 
the hours sacred to prayer and study ; or who appropriate their 
time to objects which, however praiseworthy in themselves, are 
not sufl[iciently identified with their profession, nor calculated to 
promote their advancement in grace and holiness ? 

But we would pursue this object further, and demand, if conver- 
sion, or a change of heart and life, be necessary in all men, be- 
cause all naturally partake of the principle of inward corruption, 
how much more is it necessary to him who officiates in holy things ; 
and who, by the titles that designate his character and oflice, is 
supposed to contract engagements of the highest and most sacred 
import ? 

And yet the very nature and necessity of conversion is questioned 
by some, in opposition to the most express declarations of Holy 



24 MEMOIRS OF THE 

Writ ;* tliiis proving their own need, at least, of tliat conversion, 
the possibiHty of which they so heedlessly dispute. A distinguish- 
ed and excellent prelate, in our own day,t has merited well of tlie 
Christian public, for inviting attention to this subject. In the dio- 
cese of St. David's, a prize was offered for the best Essay on the 
signs of conversion and unconversion in ministers of the Esta- 
blished Church.t 

This was at once recognising the doctrine, as well as the neces- 
sity of conversion. It drew the line of demarcation between true 
piety, and that which bears only the external garb. It admitted the 
conversion of some, it doubted the conversion of all ; and, by in- 
stituting an inquiry into the signs and evidences by which the dis- 
tinction is to be know^n, it held out a beacon to discriminate the 
true and faithful pastor from the bold and unauthorized intruder. 
Let it be remembered, too, that this doctrine is avowedly maintain- 
ed, and the belief and experience of its truth no less avo\\edly pro- 
fessed, by every candidate in the form and ceremony prescribed by 
our own church for ordination — that, on this occasion, he is so- 
lemnly asked, whether he trusts that he is inwardly moved by the 
Holy Ghost, to take upon himself the sacred office ? To which he 
deliberately answers, " I trust so." And that, if terms be signifi- 
cant of things, and professions mean what tliey are supposed to 
imply, this call of the Holy Spirit denotes a series of qualifications, 
of w^hich the real conversion of the heart is the primary and most 
indispensable. It is on the authority of this declaration, and the 
supposed sincerity of its avowal, that he is permitted to officiate at 
her altars, and that the dispensation of the Gospel is committed to 
his hands ; and, therefore, the absence of this qualification is not 
merely a fraud, and an act of perjury, aggravated by the solemnity 
of the occasion, and by the bold profanation of holy things, but a 
crime of a still higher magnitude. Souls are betrayed, for every 
one of which he must render an account to Him who has au- 
thoritatively proclaimed, '* their blood will I require at thine hand." 

Another very important lesson to be learnt from the preceding 
narrative,- is the necessity of discriminating morality from religion. 
The principal error in Mr. Richmond's former views consisted in 
this, viz. that they were deficient in the grand characteristic fea- 
tures of the Gospel. Not that he actually denied a single doc- 
trine which the Gospel inculcates; but his conceptions were far 

♦ See Matt, xviii. 3 ; John iii. 5 ; Acts iii. 19 ; Eph. iv. 24. 

t The present Bishop of Salisbury, formerly Bishop of St, D^'Vid's, 

X Se« Wilkeg'a Prize Essay on the above subject. 



REV. LEGH RICHMOND. 25 

from being definite, clear, and comprehensive. They wanted the 
elevation and spirituality of the Christian system. They were 
founded more on the standard of morality, than on the principles 
of the Gospel ; and therefore were defective as it respects the 
motive and end of all human actions, the two essential properties 
that constitute an action acceptable in the sight of a holy God. A 
Heathen may be moral, a Christian must be more ; for though 
true religion will always comprise morality, yet morality may 
exist without religion. There was a confusion also in his notion 
of faith and works, and of the respective offices and design of the 
law and of the Gospel. The Saviour was not sufficiently exalted, 
nor the sinner humbled ; and there was wanting the baptism of 
'* the Holy Ghost and of fire. ''^ — Matt. iii. 11. His sermons, par- 
taking of the same character, were distinguished indeed by solidity 
of remark, force of expression, strong appeals to the conscience, 
and a real and commendable zeal for the interests of morality ; 
but they went no further. As regarded the great end of the 
Christian m.inistry — the conversion of immortal souls — they were 
powerless ; for moral sermons can produce nothing but moral ef- 
fects ; and it is the Gospel alone that is " mighty through God 
to the pidling down of the strong holds of sin ; and bringing 
into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ.^^ — 
2 Cor. X. 4, 5. 

There was, indeed, an external reformation produced among his 
people ; but the renovation of the heart, the communion of the 
soul with God, the inward joy and peace of the gospel, and the 
hope full of life and of immortality — these were not experienced 
and felt, because they were not known ; and they were not known, 
because they were not preached ; and they were not preached, 
because they were not adequately imderstood by the preacher. 
And is there no ground for apprehension that the same deficiency 
still exists amongst us to a considerable extent ? Are the peculiar 
doctrines of Christianity commonly brought forward with suf- 
ficient clearness, fidelity, and zeal ? Are the corruption and lost 
state of man, the mercy of God in Christ, the necessity of a living 
faith in the Saviour, the office of the Holy Spirit in his enlighten- 
ing, converting, and sanctifying influences,* — are these grand 
themes of the Christian ministry urged with the prominence that 
ttieir incalculable importance demands? Deficiencies in points 

* Sec Dr. Owen's celebrated work " On the Holy Spirit," and Doddridg-e's 
" Seven Sermons on Regeneration," for an able elucidation of this subject. 

3 



«6 MEMOIRS OF THE 

like these are serious impediments to the growth of true religion, 
and cannot be too sedulously reproved by those who are the con- 
stituted guardians of sound doctrine. For with the mere moralist, 
the grandeur of the Christian dispensation — the divine love so 
conspicuous in the whole of its stupendous plan — the beauty, 
order, and symmetry of its several parts, are all reduced to the 
rank and level of a secondary and subordinate scheme. Christ is 
not the centre of the system, but rather occupies the extreme 
point ; and is brought in as a last expedient to cover the naked- 
ness and insufficiency of our own works. The moralist, according 
to his own creed, does all that he can, and then — looks to his Re- 
deemer to perform the rest. On the other hand, where the mo- 
ralist ends, the believer begins. With him, every work is begun, 
continued, and ended in God. He draws from above every mo- 
tive for his obedience, every promise for his encouragement, and 
strength to subdue all his corruptions. Christ is the sun that illu- 
minates his moral horizon, the living water to refresh his thirst, the 
heavenly manna by which he is fed, the first and the last, the be- 
ginning and the end, the Alpha and Omega, the " all and in all." 
He is the Prophet, by whose wisdom he is taught; the Priest, by 
whose sacrifice he is pardoned ; the King, by whose authority he 
is swayed ; and the Shepherd, on whose tender care he reposes all 
his wants. What then is the remedy for tlie defects to which we 
have alluded, and for the fatal consequences resulting from them ? 
The knowledge of the Gospel; and the full, free, and faithful 
declaration of its truths. There must be its tidings on the lips, its 
grace in the heart, and its holiness in the life of the preacher. Such 
was the case in the instance of Mr. Richmond, after the change 
above recorded ; and crowded auditories, an inquiring people, and 
numerous conversions, were the happy result. And such will ever 
be the case where the Gospel is faithfully preached. The same 
causes will always produce the same effects. The blind will 
receive their sight, and the lame walk, and the deaf hear, and 
the spiritually dead be raised up to life eternal. 



CHAPTER IV. 

VevelopemerU of his character — Dedication of his time and thoughts to prq/itable ob- 
jtcts — Fondness of the scenes of nature — Spiritual reflections upon them-^ Zeal in 
his ministerial duties — Letters and Diary — Remarks. 

In- the preceding chapter, we have recorded the remarkable 
change of which Mr. Richmond was the subject, and explained its 



REV. LEGH RICHMOND. 27 

nature and character. We shall now proceed to illustrate it by its 
effects, which form the best evidence of its existence, and one of 
the strongest arguments for its necessity. With this view, we 
shall consider its operation and influence on the qualities of his 
mind and heart — on his ministerial habits — his epistolary corres- 
pondence — and in the more solemn and impressive exposure of 
the inward recesses of his soul. 

In our intercourse with men, we meet with an almost endless 
diversity of character ; and he who studies human nature is apt to 
classify those who are the subject of his contemplation, according 
to their respective shades and gradations. But how painful is the 
discovery, when we see persons endowed with the finer qualifica- 
tions of the mind, and the most interesting sensibilities of the 
heart, wasting on unprofitable objects the powers which, if rightly 
directed, might render their possessor the instrument of extensive 
usefulness and good. We seem to behold a beautiful and imposing 
structure, but it is not occupied by the rightful owner. The lord 
of the mansion is absent, and a stranger has usurped his place. 
We turn with disappointment from the contemplation ; nor can 
we withhold the prayer that ere long the fatal illusion may cease, 
and the chain of the captive be broken. 

In Mr. Richmond, every qualification became consecrated to re- 
ligion. His imagination, taste, affections, and endowments, received 
an impulse which directed all their energies to the glory of God 
and to useful and profitable purposes. 

To illustrate what we have said, we subjoin the following pas- 
sage from one of his popular tracts, which, while it shows his 
powers for descriptive scenery, proves at the same time how much 
his admiration of the scenes of nature was made the occasion of 
elevating the heart to God. 

" It was not unfrequently my custom, when my mind was filled 
with any interesting subject for meditation, to seek some spot- 
where the beauties of natural prospect might help to form pleasing 
and useful associations. 

" South-eastward, I saw the open ocean, bounded only by the 
horizon. The sun shone, and gilded the waves with a glittering 

light, that sparkled in the most brilliant manner On 

the north, the sea appeared like a noble river, varying from tliree 
to seven miles in breadth, between the banks of the opposite coast, 
and those of the island which I inhabited.* Immediately under- 

♦ The IsleofWig-ht. 



28 MEMOIRS OF THE 

neath me, was a fine woody district of country, diversified by 
many pleasing objects. Distant towns were visible on the oppo- 
site shore. Numbers of ships occupied the sheltered station 
which tliis northern channel afforded them. The eye roamed 
with delight over an expanse of near and remote beauties, which 
alternately caught the observation, and which harmonised to- 
gether, and produced a scene of peculiar interest." 

The reflections awakened by these scenes are thus expressed : — 

" How mucli of the natural beauties of Paradise still remain in 
the world, although its spiritual character has been so awfully de- 
faced by sin ! But when divine grace renews the heart of the 
fallen sinner, Paradise is regained, and much of its beauty restored 
to the soul. As this prospect is compounded of hill and dale, land 
and sea, woods and plains, all sweetly blended together, and re- 
lieving each other in the landscape ; so do the gracious disposi- 
tions, wrought in the soul, produce a beauty and harmony of 
scene, to which it was before a stranger." 

We insert one more brief reflection. 

" What do they not lose, who are strangers to serious meditation 
on the wonders and beauties of created nature ! How gloriously 
the God of creation shines in his works ! Not a tree, nor leaf, nor 
flower ; not a bird, nor insect, but proclaims in glowing language, 
* God made me.' " 

In his parochial engagement's, we find him fulfilling all the du- 
ties of an active and zealous parish priest. The important and 
essential doctrines of the Gospel were now made the powerful and 
affecting themes of his public addresses. As we shall have occa- 
sion hereafter to enter into a more minute detail of the subject and 
manner of his preaching, it is suflicient in this place to observe, 
that man's fallen and ruined state, and his deli\ crance and redemp- 
tion by Jesus Christ, formed the grand outline of his discourses ; 
and if the degree in which the truth is preached be best estimated 
by its effects, he could appeal to unquestionable evidences of his 
faithfulness ; for God blessed his testimony, and numerous con- 
verts were the seals of his ministry. In addition to the usual and 
appointed duties of the Sabbath, he visited his flock, and went 
from house to house, taking care not to make these opportunities 
the mere occasion of friendly and condescending intercourse, but 
the means of real improvement, and spiritual edification. The 
children of Brading were also the objects of his tender solicitude. 
They were in the habit of repairing to him every Saturday for the 



REV. LEGH RICHMOND. 29 

purpose of religious instruction -, and his memoir of ^ Little Jane' 
records one of the happy results of these youthful meetings. 

Within the parish of Brading was situated the hamlet of Bem- 
bridge, at the distance of about two miles. To this place Mr. 
Richmond went once in every week to expound the Scriptures, 
and to meet those who, through age and infirmity, or other causes, 
were unable to attend the parish church. A chapel of ease has 
since been erected, and consecrated in the summer of 1827. He 
had likewise the care of the parish of Yaverland ; and as the 
scenes of his early piety and zeal cannot but be? interesting to his 
numerous friends, and the following description presents them 
vividly to the imagination, we insert it in his own words : — 

" I had the spiritual charge of another parish, adjoining to that 
in which I resided. It was a small district, and had but few in- 
habitants. The church was pleasantly situated on a rising bank, 
at the foot of a considerable hill. It was surrounded by trees, and 
had a rural, retired appearance. Close to the church-yard stood a 
large old mansion, which had formerly been the residence of an 
opulent and titled family ; but it had long since been appropriated 
to the use of the estate, as a farm-house. Its outward aspect bore 
considerable remains of ancient grandeur, and gave a pleasing cha- 
racter to the spot of ground on which the church stood. In every 
direction, the roads that led to this house of God possessed distinct 
but interesting features. One of them ascended between several 
rural cottages, from the sea shore, which adjoined the lower part 
of the village street. Another winded round the curved sides of 
an adjacent hill, and was adorned, both above and below, with nu- 
merous sheep, feeding on the herbage of the down. A third road 
led to the church by a gently-rising approach, between high banks, 
covered with young trees, bushes, ivy, hedge-plants, and wild 
flowers. 

" From a point of land which commanded a view of all these seve- 
ral avenues, I used sometimes for a while to watch my congrega- 
tion gradually assembling together at the hour of Sabbath worship. 
They were in some directions visible for a considerable distance. 
Gratifying associations of thought would form in my mind, as I 
contemplated their approach and successive arrival within the pre- 
cincts of the house of prayer." 

His reflections on these occasions are thus interestingly ex- 
pressed : — 

"How many immortal souls are now gathering together to 
perform the all-important work of prayer and praise— to hear the 

3* 



30 MEMOIRS OF THE 

word of God — to feed upon the bread of life ! They are leaving 
their respective dwellings, and will soon be united together in the 
house of prayer. How beautifully does this represent the effect 
produced by the voice of 'the good Slicpherd,' calling his sheep 
from every part of tlie wilderness into his fold ! As these fields, 
hills, and lanes, are now covered with men, women, and children, 
in various directions, drawing nearer to each other, and to the 
object of their journey's end ; even so, ' many sliall come from 
the east and from the west, and from the north and from the 
south, and shall sit down in the kingdom of God.' " 

In the year 1801, he formed a society at Brading, which proved 
an occasion of much benefit ; the rules and regulations being pe- 
culiarly calculated to promote order, sobriety, and religion. This 
society met every Wednesday evening, and he himself assumed 
the ofllce of director.* The members of whom it was composed 
were such as had derived advantage from his ministry, and were 
sincerely desirous of advancing in knowledge and true holiness. 
A copy of the first address delivered to them has been found 
among his papers, from w hich we extract the concluding passage : — 

'' In a word, my dear friends, I consider you all as deeply sensi- 
ble that the care of the soul is the one thing needful, wiiich if you 
neglect you will perish ; but which, if you regard with a humble, 
devout, and sincere heart, God w^ll receive and acknowledge you 
among the number of his children. I hope more will join them- 
selves to our society, who are in this mind and persuasion. It 
shall be my care to do all in my power to cherish and support you 
in all virtue and godliness of living ; to comfort you in affliction, 
to clear up your doubts, to reprove your faults, encourage your 
good resolutions, and to be, by God's help, a spiritual pastor 
among you, to lead you through the pilgrimage of this life, to the 
enjoyment of the glories of Paradise. 

♦ The following- regulation will afford a g-eneral idea of the character and 
object of this society : 

" The society will meet every Wednesday evenincr, when the director w ill 
attend, for the purpose of explaining- the Holy Scriptures, the Litursry of the 
Church of Ensrland, and other such orodly books as he may think useful and 
profitable for the instruction and edification of the members ; g-iving^ them 
such friendly and Christian exiiortation and counsel as each or all of them 
may require ; answering any questions which they may wish to propose, 
respectincT the meaning- and desic^n of the word of God, and their own con- 
duct and relig-ious procrress in jreneral ; and joinincr in prayer with them to 
Almig-hty God for a blessing- upon themselves, their families, their neighbours, 
their country, and the whole Church of God, wherever dispersed in the world.' 



REV. LEGH RICHMOND. 31 

" All that I now ask and beseech of you is, that 3^ou will be in 
earnest in your present professions, and strive with heart and soul 
to persevere in that good road, wherein I trust you now are going. 
And remember how sad will be the lot of those who, having put 
their hand to the plough, look back again, and are no longer fit' for 
the kingdom of heaven. Be strong then in the Lord, and may 
his grace preserve you in your good resolutions, and bring you to 
the full knowledge of the excellency of Jesus Christ, and give you 
the greatest of all blessings, forgiveness of sins in this world, and 
life everlasting in the world to come. Ever be it, blessed Lord, 

now and evermore." 

«« 

To the soldiers that were occasionally quartered in that part of 
the country, he was made highly useful by his preaching. The 
history of one of these men is remarkable. It is related at length 
in the ^ Christian Observer,' for the year 1802, (p. 772.) Being 
too long for insertion here, we give the substance of it as 
follows : — 

" A young soldier introduced himself to Mr. Richmond, in com- 
pany with one of his comrades, begging to know if he would 
kindly purchase from him a few clergyman's bands, and some 
manuscript sermons. Being asked by what means they came into 
his possession, he stated, with much embarrassment, that his 
history was wholly unknown to his companions in arms, but that 
being thus urged, he would recount the painful circumstances of 
his past life. He proceeded to declare that he was the son of a 
clergyman in Wales, — that he had been regularly ordained, and 

officiated during three years on a curacy in the county of W ; 

that disorderly habits, and debts incurred without the possibility 
of discharging them, had brought him at length to ruin and dis- 
grace 5 and that, to avoid imprisonment, he had been induced to 
enlist as a common soldier ; that he had served in the last cam- 
paign in Holland, and was then about to proceed with the army, on 
the expedition to Alexandria, under Sir James Abercrombie. He 
added, that it was to furnish himself with a few necessaries, that 
he was led to offer the articles in question for sale. Mr. Richmond 
having ascertained, as far as possible, the correctness of his story, 
purchased them ; and afterwards held a very long conversation 
with him, on the awful consequences of his past life, and his un- 
faithfulness to the solemn and sacred engagement he had formerly 
contracted. The soldier seemed to be more abashed by the dis- 
closure of his history, than impressed with the consciousness of 
his guilt, and the admonitions that he received. In June, 1802, 



32 MEMOIRS OF THE 

the comrade who had originally ficcompanied him, once more 
called on Mr. Richmond, and staled that he was just returned from 
Egypt, and that the young man, in whose welfare he had taken so 
lively an interest, had fallen in battle, and died a true penitent ;— 
that on tlic evening preceding the engagement of the 21st March, 
he had been seized with a presentiment that he should not survive 
the event of the following day ; and had commissioned him, (tlie 
bearer,) should he be spared to return, to inform Mr. Richmond, 
that the counsel he had so faithfully given to him, though it had 
failed at tlie time to impress him as it ought to have done, had ulti- 
mately sunk deep into his con^ience, and produced all the effects 
that he could have wished ; ' tell our dear pastor,' continued he, 
'that I owe him more than worlds can repay ; he first opened my 
heart to conviction, and God has blessed it to repentance. Through 
the unspeakable mercies of Christ, I can die with comfort.' The 
event that he had prognosticated Avas fulfilled; and it was disco- 
vered that poor INIr. E lost his life by a cannon ball, at an 

early period in the action." 

It is in the Isle of Wight that the scene is laid of those 
popular tracts, composed by Mr. Richmond, the reputation of 
which is now so widely diffused in all parts of the world. 

His " Dairyman's Daugliter" resided at Arreton, a village six 
miles distant from Brading, where he was in the habit of occa- 
sionally visiting her, by particular request, during her last illness. 
Her name was Wallbridge ; and who that has read her history, 
can repress the emotions that such unaffected piety and sanctified 
affliction are calculated to awaken ? 

His " Negro Servant" lived in the family of an officer in the 
neighbourhood. His " Young Cottager" was one of his Sunday- 
school children at Brading, and the first fniits of his ministry in 
that parish. As we shall have occasion to allude to these publica- 
tions in anotlicr part of the memoir, we shall restrict ourselves to 
this brief allusion to incidents in the relation of which the author 
has excited so much interest ; and in which the charms of style 
and beautiful representations of nature are blended with the faith- 
ful narrative of facts, and the whole made subservient to the ad- 
vancement of the cause of scriptural truth. 

Having described him as thus emzacred in his ministerial duties, 
we shall here introduce a letter addressed to his friend, the Rev. 

Mr. T , expressive of his views and sentiments, Avithin the 

period just mentioned. 

" My reading in divinity has been considerable since we last 



REV. LEGH RICHMOND. 33 

parted. The more I attend to the sacred writings, and to the senti- 
ments of the most pious and unprejudiced authors, the more deeply- 
sensible do I feel of the unspeakable importance of religious attain- 
ments, both in knowledge, faith, and practice. I am, at the same time, 
unavoidably led to see how very^ very deficiently the Christian 
scheme is apprehended by the great body of the laity, and preached 
in many of our pulpits. The force of that admirable charge of Bishop 
Horsley, 1791, is strongly impressed upon my mind, and fully 
confirms these sentiments,* which a diligent perusal of the Bible, 
of the primitive Fathers, and of the Reformers, had previously 
excited. 

"It is curious to see with what undisguised simplicity and 
plainness, many of the doctrines which are now reprobated as en- 
thusiastical, methodistical, and puritanical, are, in one and all of 
these old writers, asserted and maintained. The plain literal 
sense of our Church Articles, are by them made the foundation of 
every discourse, and of every scriptural exposition ; and practical 
faith in the Holy Trinity is the first, the middle, and the last end, 
object, and aim of all they said, all they wrote, and all they thought. 
It may be answered, that modern divines admit the truth of these 
things also , but if they do, they explain the doctrines almost en- 
tirely away, and what is principally to be lamented, they do not 
make them the ground of their sermons. It is, nevertheless, a 
very gratifying circumstance that so many clergymen and laymen 
have of late adopted an opposite way of preaching and thinking. 

As my valuable friend and correspondent, Mr. , says in a late 

letter to me — ' however thinly, comparatively speaking, they are 
sprinkled over the bosom of the Church, yet I trust that the 
maintainers of the good old principles of the Reformation are 
daily gaining ground ; and that at this time sound doctrine is oftener 
preached in many of our parish churches, than has been the case 
since the days of Archbishop Laud.' " 

In Ihe year 1801, Mr. Richmond was invited to preach the an- 
nual Sermon in the Abbey Church at Bath, on the subject of cru- 
elty to the brute creation, in conformity with the will of the Rev. 
Henry Brindley. It is to this circumstance that the following 
letter alludes. 

* Bishop Horsley had asserted, in the above charge, that there was a 
grievous departure, at that period, from the sound doctrines of the Reforma- 
tion. See also a similar charge, published about the same time, by the Bishop 
of Durham. 



ai MEMOIKS OF THE 

''Brading, March 26, 1801. 

*'My dearest mother, 

^' It gives me real and unspeakable gratification tliat any thing 
you observe in me sliould give you the pleasure you describe ; yet 
I fear you overrate me. Daily do I become more and more sensi- 
ble of my own deficiencies ; and when I hear myself praised, my 
failings and corruptions seem to be magnified in the mirror of con- 
science and conviction. I do feel an earnest and solemn wish to be 
a real Christian minister of the gospel of Christ; but it is indeed a 
character too exalted for my expectiitions of attaining, and unutter- 
able is the responsibility attached to it. To be a Christian at all, in 
the scriptural sense, is a business of unwearied attention, watchful- 
ness, and labour; but to be a teacher, an example, a shepherd to 
the flock, requires tenfold circumspection. May God make me 
what he wishes in order to form that character; and may no self- 
sufficiency, carelesness, or presumption, ever lead me to false secu- 
rity, neglect of duty, or inactivity; — to all of which we are so prone 
by nature. In exact proportion as we struggle to rise above our na- 
tural propensities. General Satan (as good Dr. Harrington calls 
him,) endeavours not only to stop our progress, but to turn our very 
improvement into danger and a snare, by exciting pride and self- 
satisfaction at what we have been enabled to do. I have no objec- 
tion to hearing tliat my preaching excited attention at Bath, (though 
I ouglit to avoid every tiling likely to awaken vanity,) because I 
am convinced that it is not so much for any thing in me, individu- 
ally speaking, as in the scriptural truths which, by God's grace, I 
invariably endeavour to advance and expound, that approbation 
v.as manifested. I claim no praise, but that of being in earnest; 
and when I open the counsel of God to a congregation, I hope I feel 
anxious for the welfare of my hearers, and really desirous that they 
should, for their own sakes, ^mark, learn, hear, and inwardly di- 
gest, the Holy Scriptures,' when explained according to the princi- 
ples of sound orthodoxy, and evangelical truth. And, thus, consi- 
dering sound truth as the matter^ and pastoral anxiety as the man- 
ner of my preaching, I hope to steer clear of any personal vanity, 
or silly presumption, in the arts of human eloquence, either writ- 
ten or oratorical. I have no wish to be a popular preacher, in any 
sense but one, viz. as a preacher to the hearts of the people. 

"What you tell me respecting my father's inability to do more 
for me than lie does, I firmly believe; and can conscientiously as- 
sure 3^ou, that I am too grateful for what is done, to complain that 
more is not done. I cannot sufficiently express my sensations of 



REV. LEGH RICHMOND. 35 

thankfulness for the uninterrupted kindness which I have ever re- 
ceived from you both, I wish your latter years may receive every 
consolation from my conduct, which duty and affection can afford 
you. God forbid I should ever strike out of my system of divinity 
that nearly central part of the decalogue, ^honour thy father and 
mother.' I look forward with great pleasure to your promised 
visit, which I must, and hereby do, bespeak to be a long one. I 
will do every thing to make you comfortable; and have a snug 
room and bed quite ready for you, and a son's welcome." 
" To Mrs. Richmond^ Bennet Street^ Bath.^^ 

His sermon on the above occasion was published at the request 
of the congregation, which circumstance will explain the letter 
that follows. 

^^Brading, March 22, 1802. 

"My dearest Mother, 
" The vanity of authorship is proverbial, and yet I would fain 
hope that if I am vain, it is not a vanity of vanities, but a reasonable 
rejoicing on Christian grounds. As I think you will feel an inter- 
est in the subject, I will detail a correspondence, which has taken 
place between your son and Sir Richard Hill, since the publication 
of the sermon on cruelty to animals." 

Copy of a letter to Sir Richard Hill, Bart. : — 

"Sir, " Brading, March 13, 1802. 

"Although an entire stranger to your person, yet I am not to 
your character. I therefore take the liberty, without further apo- 
logy, of inclosing you a tract, which I have lately been requested to 
publish, on a subject which, from the laudable part you took in the 
debate on the Bull-baiting Bill, three winters ago, I believe you to 
have sincerely at heart. Your known benevolence of disposition, 
regard for the instruction of the poor, and earnest zeal in the cause 
of religion, preclude my apologizing for sending you a copy on so 
coarse a paper, not having one of the finer ones in the house. 
"Believe me, with great respect and esteem, 

" Your very obedient servant, 

"L. Richmond.'^ 

Sir Richard Hill, in reply to the Rev. L. Richmond : — 

"Rev. and Dear Sir, ''March 18, 1802. 

"It would not be easy forme to express the pleasure I have 
received from the perusal of your most excellent discourse on Gen. 



m MEMOIRS OF THE 

i. 26. Tlie evangelical, as well as judicious and striking manner in 
which you have handled the subject, must forcibly recommend it t6 
every friend of true religion and good order ; and the practical part, 
^ing all along enforced on Gospel principles, will, I doubt not, make 
its way and prevail, where the most earnest exhortations, from 
lower motives, would be ineffectual. I shall very soon furnish my- 
self with a number of copies, printed on each sort of paper. For 
the coarseness of yours, no apology was needful; a large sum of 
money is not less acceptable or useful, whether conveyed in a silk- 
en or worsted purse. I am happy to inform you that the bill to 
prevent the savage practice of bull-baiting will be brought forward 
again in the course of a few daj's, and I hope there is no doubt of 
its success: — the last bill was lost, merely by its friends fancying 
themselves so secure, that they did not attend to its progress 
through the House. I will inclose in two covers my published let- 
ter to Mr. Windham, on his opposition to the bill to prevent bull- 
baiting, as it is probable you may not have seen it ; and subscribe 
myself, with great truth, 

"Rev. and dear Sir, 

"Your most faithful servant, 

Richard Hill." 

We msert a short extract of a letter addressed to the Rev. Mr. T. 
It is dated Bath, March, 1801. 

"I wish I could give you any adequate idea of the exalted plea- 
sure I have found from being introduced into a circle of religious, 
accomplished, and rational people here, with Mrs. H. M. at their 
head. I think I have received more solid practical knowledge and 
advantage from the conversations I have almost daily had with dif- 
ferent individuals of this respectable party, than from any inter- 
course I ever enjoyed in my life. I have had the satisfaction of 
drawing very extensive attention in the pulpit to what I trust are 
statements of sound doctrine. The acceptance they have met with, 
also proves what may be done where the pure truth is preached 
without disguise, without quaintness, without affectation, and with- 
out fear." 

The following letter was written about the same time, to his sis- 
ter, on her marriage : — 

" Forgive me, my beloved sister, if I express myself with more 
than customary anxiety, in now writing to you, related as I am by 



REV. LEGH RICHMOND. 37 

the nearest ties of kindred, and by the still closer bonds of love and 
tender friendship. I feel a lively interest in all which concerns you ; 
and should be more than commonly happy, if a brother's prayer, 
and a brother's admonition, should prove in any way conducive to 
tbe welfare and advancement of a much-loved sister. 

" I am desirous of seeing and knowing that you will shine in the 
united characters of wife, mother, mistress, friend, and Christian. 
I feel truly and unequivocally anxious that you should not, even in 
appearance, sink into the mere accomplished and elegant woman. 
I wish you to set a right estimate upon that far more accomplished, 
and infinitely more useful character, w^hich exists chiefly within the 
walls of your own house. Every thing depends on your first out- 
set. By the model which you frame for your conduct this very 
year^ will probably be regulated all your subsequent character and 
conduct, in every future station and relation of life. 

" You well know the affection, and I trust will not despise the 
judgment and sentiments of him who speaks thus candidly and 
frankly to you. I am well persuaded that a young woman, to be 
truly respectable, must dare to be laudably singular. There always 
will be a certain description of persons in every place, who will 
wonder that you can exist without passing your time as they do; 
but amongst those whose esteem and opinion alone ought to regu- 
late your own feelings and conduct, the more retired and seldom- 
to-be-seen wife, whose theatre of real action and real pleasure is 
within her own house, in the fulfilment of sober, useful, and exem- 
plary duties, will ever be most beloved, most respected, and most 
befriended. 

" By way of immediate occupation of your time and thoughts, 
allow me to direct them to the relief and benefit of the poor ; not 
by idle gratuities, but by diligently seeking them out, informing 
yourself of their wants and distresses, and economizing in super- 
fluities, in order that thereby the poor may abound in needfuls, and 
you may abound in their blessings. Be systematically charitable 
both to their souls and bodies. Promote plans for instruction ; as- 
sist in superintending them; employ yourself in making clothes 
for them ; and rest not till you have made it a settled and uniform 
part of your character, to be actively, constantly, and watchfully 
charitable. 

"Let me beg of you to buy the new edition of Hannah More's 
works, and invariably read them once a year, particularly her 
* Strictures on Education.' Let me recommend, with the united 
earnestness of a brother and clergyman, that you will read religious 

4 



88 MEMOIRS OF THE 

books, aiid sometimes allow ine to be your adviser. Be scrupu- 
lously attentive to the observance of the sabbath, both in public 
and in private, both at churcli and at home ; and in all your plea- 
sures, all your pains, all your employments, prospects, plans, and 
engagements, remember that the use of this life is to prepare for a 
better ; and that 'strait is the gate, and narrow is the way that leads 
to eternal life, and few there be that find it.' Read your Bible, 
with prayer, daily, under the impression of this awful truth : and 
may God remember you, my dearest sister, amongst those whom 
he especially loveth ; and his grace render you, what I wish you 
may always prove to be, a valued wife, a tender mother, an estima- 
ble friend, and a devoted Christian. 

" Your affectionate brother, 

L. Richmond." 

We now proceed to unfold the more secret recesses of his heart, 
as developed in a diary, commencing January, 1804, and continued 
to August of the same year. It is much to be lamented that it 
seems never to have been regularly resumed, aiid that there are 
only occasional and interrupted documents of this kind found 
among his papers. A diary, in its spiritual use and character, is a 
record of the soul's state of feeling, in reference to the all-seeing 
eye of God; and therefore must necessarily be supposed to be the 
genuine expression of all its inward movements, to the exclusion 
of every thing that, by any possibility, can be supposed to be de- 
ceptive or assumed. In this sense, it is one of the most solemn 
acts of intercourse that can subsist between the soul and its God. 
It is the exposure of every thought, — the confession of every in- 
firmity, — the prostration of the soul before a pure and holy Being, 
in all the depths of self-abasement ; and directed to these import- 
ant ends, it is like antedating tlie judicial investigation and sentence 
of the last great day of the Lord. Good men have differed as to 
the expediency and necessity of this act ; but the difference, proba- 
bly, will be found less to regard the principle itself, than the mode 
of its execution. Duly improved, it may be a powerful check and 
faithful monitor to every thought, word, and deed ; and though a di- 
vine power alone can restrain the pi\ssions of the heart, and restore 
it in its wanderings, yet subordinate means, in dependence on this 
power, are still available, and may be blessed in their use; as the 
river is composed of tributary streams and rills, and yet all finally 
direct their course to the same wide and expansive ocean. 

Leaving, therefore, the decision of this question to each man's 



REV. LEGH RICHMOND. 39 

judgment and conscience, we now lay before the reader the follow- 
ing extracts from the diary to which we have alluded. 

" JaTi. 1. A new year is begun, but where is the new heart, and 
the right spirit? O, weakness and wickedness! Preached from 
Rom. xi. 28, 29 ; and Joh xvi. 22. Felt much satisfaction, after the 

morning service, from J and his wife proposing to become 

members of my society. He shed tears of penitence and joy. 
May God work all for good. In the afternoon, felt something of 
the fear of man, but found, as I proceeded, more freedom. O Lord, 
save me from fear of censure, and love of praise ! Went in the even- 
ing to my society at Arreton ; few, but meek, humble, and hope- 
ful. Another member proposed, an infirm old widow. 

" — 3. Uneasy at not having completed another part of the 
review of Daubeny.* I am very deficient in steady, persevering 
diligence. Let me think much of this, and learn to set a right 
value on time. Oh ! how precious ought every hour to be, when 
each may be the last. Thought much of Cowper's description of 
preaching: (Task, Book ii.) God impress it on my heart. B. is 
buried to-day ; how dreadfully unprepared to meet his God ! How 
far am I responsible? Alas ! how great is the burden of the pastor ! 
Lord, give me grace to see it, and feel it more and more, and enable 
me to bear it with a good conscience. I have been delighted, and 
I hope profited, by Biddulph's funeral sermon on Mr. Drewitt ; 
oh ! that I were like him ! I now wonder that I had not more cor- 
respondence with that holy man ; I shall ever think with pleasure 
of my introduction to him. God bring us together at the last. I 
trust my resolutions gain strength. O God, in thy m.ercy sti-engthen 
me ! May my thoughts now close with blessed Drewitt, and sink 
to peacefulness with a blessing on the meditation. 
» " — 4. Received the Christian Observer ; my fourth letter on 
Kiphng there ;t surely it is conclusive, yet what will not prejudice 
distort ? Preserve me, O my God ! in the wiles of controversy, 
from the neglect of practical religion within. It is not Calvin, nor 
Arminius, nor Cranmer, but Christy who is the Saviour, and his 
name only be adored. 

* He here alludes to his review of Daubeny's VindicicB Ecclesice Anglica- 
ncBy of which we shall have occasion to speak in a subsequent part. It was in- 
serted in the 'Christian Observer.' 

t This is another review in which he was eng-ag*ed. It was published in 
the 'Christian Observer' for 1804, under the signatures of Academicus, and a 
Curate of the South. 



40 • MEMOIRS OF THE 

*•' Jan. 6. A beautiful frosty morning. Teach me, O Lord ! from 
the ])eautics of nature, to learn the beauties of grace. Every re- 
*i«/nin<^ morning reminds me wluit a mercy it is I am still alive; 
and have space; and time given me to repent and believe. Take 
my heart, O God ! into thy keeping, and then it will be safe. If it 
be thy good pleasure to rescue me from temporal perplexity, let 
my gratitude appear; if not, let it be ground for submission and 
patient resignation. With thee, I cannot do ill; without thee, I 
cannot do well. Heard Nugent's morning prayers. May he learn 
early the lesson, which I for so many years neglected, and now 
perform so unworthily. Prayer is the breath of faith. 

" — 7. Surprised by a letter from Hannah More, to invite me 
to succeed Mr. Drewitt, at Cheddar, or to recommend a curate. 
Oh, I am unworthy, could it be brought about. Yet what a field 
to act upon. Lead me, O God, to that which is right. Shall I 
make any overtures to remove there or not ? It has filled me with 
mingled contemplation and solicitude. Is it a call from God, or 
ouglit I rather to do his work here ? Direct my heart, O God, from 
doubts and wanderings, into thy paths. 

"-7- 8, Sunday. Snow and sleet. How cold are my affections ! 
like this season. Warm my heart, O Lord ! till it burn with the 
flames of devotion. Compose my thoughts into holy medita- 
tion, and let not the events of the day destroy them. 

" Preached on the Epiphany, and on Christ among the doctors 
in the temple. 

" My heart heavy in reflecting how unworthy I am to think ever 
of succeeding Mr. Drewitt : to be placed in such a parish, with such 
neighbours and friends as that country would afford, might be an 

unspeakable benefit to me, and my dear M ; but I hardly 

dare think of it. Lord, direct me for the best. I am a poor, weak, 
irresolute, sinful creature ; without thee, I can do nothing. 

" — 10. What an awful idea is eternity : am I prepared to 
encounter it ? ' Oh, spare me a little that I may recover my strength 
before I go hence, and be no more seen !' Settle my opinions 
steadfastly, and, above all, my affections on thyself, O Lord 1 Have 
mercy on the dear children whom thou hast given me, and may I 
give them back unto thee, in Jesus Christ, their and my Saviour. 
I fear I have not taught N. all I ought, and of which he is ca- 
pable. Let me lay this to heart, and recommend him to God in 
prayer. 

" Much perplexed what to say to Mrs. More. Surely if vanity 
wanted food, it is here — to be solicited by Hannah More to supply 



liEV. LEGH RICHMOND.. 41 

the place of a Drewitt ! But a sense of unworthiness, thank God, 
represses emotions like these. 

" Jan. 11. Much indisposed by a very severe cold ; but, alas ! how 
much more sick in the inner man. I have nearly finished this 
month's portion for the ' Christian Observer.' May I grow daily 
more diligent, pious, and wise unto salvation, through God's bless- 
ing on my studies. 

" — 13. Better in body : I thank thee, O God ; but there is much 
in my mind that wants healing. Oh ! thou Redeemer of souls, 
and physician of hearts, purchase me entirely to thyself, and heal 
my diseases. I have sent off my packet to the Christian Observer. 
The world fights against me, the flesh within me, and Satan both 
within and without. How shall 1 conquer, but in Christ Jesus ? 
Help me to prepare, O Lord, for the service of thy sanctuary ; and 
direct me to such thoughts and words as shall edify my hearers, 
and reach my own heart to a good purpose. 

" — 14. One fortnight more, and I shall be thirty-two in years 
by nature, but how old in grace ? Sloth, detested sloth, how does 
it injure my advancement ! would to God, I might now break all 
bonds, and fly in heart and soul to the possession of my God. There 
are moments when all heaven seems open before me 3 and others, 
when I tremble over the pit of sorrows. 

" — 15. The sabbath is ended. I preached on the reason why 
Christ delivered his doctrine in parables; Matt.^m, 10, 11. At 
Yaverland, read the Homily on the time and place of prayer. Went 
to Arreton ; my excellent, though humble friend, J. W. was there. 
I pray God I might sit at his feet in the kingdom of heaven : I 
know no other such Christian here. Would to God, I were like 
him. I found much comfort with my society. Returned in thun- 
der, lightning, and rain. Thought of death and of judgment. Oh, 
awful meditation ! Let me examine my heart on its faith, hope, and 
love. Help me, O God ! to pray ; and so may thy blessing rest on 
me and mine. 

" — 16. Another week and another mercy. ^ Oh, teach me to 
number my days, that I may apply my heart unto wisdom.' Why 
am I alive ? Why have I space to repent, when so many are 
cut off? Who makes me to differ, either in outward or inward 
circumstances ? Oh, my Lord, and my God ! to thee I owe 
every thing ; yea, myself also. Let me then speedily pay the debt. 

"What method shall I take to cure my spiritual slothfulness ? 
There must be a struggle and agony — heaven must be taken with 
violence. 

4* 



42 MEMOIRS OF THE 

" Day after day elapses. Oh, time ! Oh, eternity ! In spite of 
sorrows, calms and relaxations sometimes steal on me. Let me not 
deceive myself with a false peace. Soinelimes I am tempted to doubt 
whether I am a real (Miristian. O teach me, my God, to answer 
this (piestion with a ri«rht conscience. 

**yan. 17. I feel much uneasiness at not making more progress in 
the right way. The unfruitful tree shall be cut down and burned. 
Have mercy on me, and all my family, according to thy goodness, 
O Lord ! Help me to form a rijjfht judgment, bind my affection to 
the truth, and so let my life show it forth. Often as my birth-day 
approached, have I made resolutions of a new life ; but tliere has 
always been an enemy within and without to prevail against me. 

" Much pleased with Dr. Jackson, on the Catholic church — a cu- 
rious and beautiful mean between Arminianism and high Calvinism. 
Give me a firm and resolute heart, O God ! even such an one as thou 
wilt accept. 

" Wrote to Hannali More, dubiously. Lord, direct me to choose 
for the best. 

" — 18. This day, with thy blessing, I shall go to feed my sheep 
at Bembridge. Grant me to do so with a faithful and a single 
heart. I always look upon that society as a humble ground for 
hope that the Lord means to do good through me ; yet, how often 
do I perform that duty with slothfulness. Give me, O God, more 
will, and strength, and grace, and power, and blessing, and suc- 
cess ; and teach me to judge (if it so please thee) by the state of 
my people, of my own. Provide Cheddar with a successor to 
Drewitt, after thine own heart ; and increase the number of true 
pastors, and of true sheep in thy pasture. 

" — 19. How vain are all attempts to find peace in aught but 
the Gospel ! How the world steals upon the mind, and usurps 
the throne of God. * Vidro mcliora proboque, deter iora scquor? 
Make me more discreet and considerate in the management of my 
property. Let justice and generosity be equally and forcibly re- 
membered. I find my prayers languid and lukewarm to-day. Why 
is this ? The fault must lie within. 

^* — 20. Little Mary in a very high fever; Nugent beginning to 
have one. Teach me so to bear these trials that they may be truly 
profitable unto me. 

'' — 24. Let me impress on my mind the value of time, and 
resolve and act accordingly. Let me often reflect on my wife's and 
children's souls, as well as my own ; and never forget the spiritual 
welfare of my flock. 



I 



REV. LEGH RICHMOND. 43 



" Mary excessively weak — Nugent worse. Keep my heart, O God ! 
or I shall soon be overwhelmed. Grant me thy blessing, O God ! 

" Jan. 25. Letter from Mr. Wilberforce. How beautiful a sight is 
riches united with godliness. Yet who that has the latter is not 
truly possessed of the former. If the weather should permit my 
going to Bembridge, prosper my endeavour among the people, O 
Lord ! and may their prosperity be mine. 

" — 27. An aifecting letter from my mother to my wife, exhort- 
ing to fortitude and patience, in case it should please God to take 
our sweet little Mary to himself. May we find it to be for our 
good, whichever way the righteous God shall ordain. Let me re- 
flect much on this matter, and be thou with me, O my God ! in all 
my prayers and supplications. 

" — 29. The Lord's sabbath, and my birth-day. O Almighty 
God ! sanctify this day to my heart ; herein and henceforth may I 
rest from sin and spiritual sorrow, except that sorrow which work- 
eth repentance unto salvation. 

" I have preached on the parable. Matt. xx. 1 ; and from Epli. i. 
7, on redemption. 

" Had some interesting conversation with J. W. and E. C. 
Went to Arreton — comfort and peace. My child rather better. God 
bless us all, and make us to know what means peace with thee. 

" The barometer rose an inch and a half in twenty-four hours. 

" — 30. The risings and fallhigs of the barometer, and the con- 
sequent changes of weather, remind me of the risings and fallings 
of my own spirit. This day some friends are coming to keep my 
birth-day ; when will friends of another kind celebrate my birth- 
day into the life of glory ? Ten pounds from Mr. Wilberforce for 
the poor. Holy man ! would I resembled thee. 

" — 31. May God strengthen me to keep my birth-day resolu- 
tions : I am very weak and unstable. 

" A momentary fit of anger, which, blessed be God, I immedi- 
ately tranquillized, and sought present reconciliation. Let the fear 
of God?s anger ever make me afraid of mij own. 

" Feb. 1. I am studying the Augsburg Confession on Justifica- 
tion. It appears decisive against Daubeny. Oh ! for a full ap- 
plication of the doctrine to my own soul. 

" Met my society at Bembridge. The occasion profitable. Re- 
turned in a storm. May these meetings prove a solid and perma- 
nent advantage to all, and to me. 

«_ 2. When I reflect on my unfruitfulness, I tremble. Hours, 
days, weeks, years, roll on, and still so much is to be done. 



44 MEMOIRS OF THE 

" I have luoked into the controversy between Daubeny and Over 
ton. Faults on both sides. But there is a controversy between 
me and my God, whore the fault is all on one side. Wlio shall 
judi^e between us? O Christ! be my advocate, yea, my surety, 
and I shall not fear thee, when thou shalt appear as my judge. 

" Fch. 7. Much ado about nothing, and little done about the great 
thing. Oh, let thy mercy be shown to me, by enabling me to show 
mercy to myself! When I think of what I have been, what I am, 
and what I shall be — the idea fills me with hopeful fear, and fear- 
ful liope. Let me think of my sermons, my soul, my family, my 
relations, my friends, my parish, my Saviour, and my God \ and 
thus close my meditation to-night with prayer. 

" — 9. Dreamed a dream, full of confusion and danger; useful 
hints may be drawn rationally from dreams, so far as they may be 
considered as resulting from the state and frame of the body, and 
the inward customary state of the mind. Dreams are for tlie 
most part the uninterrupted thoughts of the soul in sleep. Oh, my 
God ! may my waking thoughts and my sleeping imaginations 
all become full of thee ! 

" — 10. I find a strong inclination to false fancy, as if some 
change in my worldly state and residence were to bring about a 
correspondent one in my spiritual condition. Satan struggles to- 
gether with the flesh, to keep up the dangerous phantom. Art thou 
not here, O my God ! and is not mine of!ice here ? and has not my 
soul help sufhcicnt? Oh, yes ! give me strength to resist this, and 
to seek thee here and now. Oh ! let me watch as well as pray, lest 
I enter into temptation. 

" — 11. This day there is to be an eclipse of the sun. AVliat a 
beautiful emblem of those eclipses of the soul, which sometimes 
hide the face of God from the sons of earth. Oh, revive me with 
thy presence, my God ! even thy effectual and abidinjj presence. 
I have been meditating on the parable of the good Samaritan, in a 
spiritual application, with a view of preaching on it. May both its 
literal and mystical sense shine forth in me. 

" To-morrow is thy day, O God of Hosts ! may I sanctify it, and 
may my words be blessed to the hearts of my hearers. Enable me 
to speak from the heart to tlie heart. 

" — 15. Ash-Wednesday. Is this truly so to me ? Do I mourn 
in dust and ashes for my sins? I want the spirit of mortification 
and self-denial. Enable me to preach to my people without fear 
of man, and with the love of God in my own heart. 



REV. LEGH RICHMOND. 45 

" Oh, my God! guide, direct, sanctify and bless me, and all mine, 
and all thine. 

" Feb. 16. How weak, frail, and inconstant a creature is man; 
and of men, myself most deplorably so. Sometimes my desires 
and resolutions run mountains high ; and then I grow faint, and 
the stream of my affections is muddied and thick. Let me think 
of my children and my household, and of their spiritual welfare ; 
and not cleave in heart to any one temptation thrown in my way 
by the world. 

" The organ proposal negatived. I feel the benefit of a momen- 
tary disappointment ; it is physic to the soul. How every thing 
tends to convince me of the folly and wickedness of seeking com- 
fort in the creature. O blessed Creator ! when shall I be thine in 
spirit and in truth ? 

" — 17. Harassed with foolish thoughts. I grow more and 
more ashamed of myself, that such things can lay hold of my 
heart, and that I should have such deadness towards heaven. ^ O 
earth, earth, earth ! hear the word of the Lord.' 

" I have been to Bembridge, and read Burder's poetical abridg- 
ment of the Pilgrim's Progress, with profit and delight to us all. 
How much more am I in my element, among my little flock, than 
scheming in the world. Drank tea at John Wheler's : his cottage 
is God's palace. 

" — 20. Let me reflect on the fieetness of time, and on the un- 
certainty of my life. Drewitt was taken away just at my age, — 
the hand of death may be close : oh, what folly to imagine it at a 
distance ! May I then die daily. 

" Received rehgious books to the value of 15Z. from Mr. Thorn- 
ton, to distribute in my parish. God be thanked for such friends 
to me and mine. 

" — 2L I have strangely neglected the review\ I pray God to 
give me strength to go on with it, and to think and write to his 
glory. My inward and bosom sin preys sadly upon me. I be- 
seech thee, O my God ! to make me a new creature ; in that respect, 
most especially, give me a new heart and a right spirit. 

" — 24. How soon the best plans degenerate into formality, 
and how often Satan transforms himself into an angel of light. 
What a fight, race, and struggle, the Christian warfare is ! May I 
so fight, run, and strive, that I may obtain. 

" — 26. A serene fine morning is an emblem of rcst^ — rest 
from storms and rain ; how ought I to seek an earnest within, of 
that ^rest which remaineth for the people of God.' In all my 



46 MEMOIRS OF THE 

ministrations this day — in the sanctuary, the house, the closet, 
may all be to tlieo, and for tlico, and by thcr. I feel my own de- 
ficiencies daily more and more ; O God ! may I feel them till I 
Jose them. 

" Feb. 27. I every day feel more the truth of tlie doctrine, that 
the flesh and spirit strive contrarywise against each other. Ex- 
cuses, apologies, procrastinations, delays, all proceed from this. 

" — 29. I perceive too mucli compliance with worldly com- 
pany and conversation ; oh, my soul, if I give way to this, my 
usefulness will be much diminished. Let me often remember that 
I renounced the world at baptism. 

" March 4. The sabbath is over. I preached on the strong 
man armed ; and from 1 Cor. i. 28. introducing a homily. 

" I wish my cliildren could sin£r the praises of God : may their 
learning music have this end and aim, both in themselves and me. 

" — 6. Like the Israelites of old, I find myself wandering in 
the wilderness of sin. Yet, O my God ! if thou art my guide and 
light, by day and night, all will be well. 

" — 7. The beauty of such a morning as this, should be an 
emblem of the life of God in my soul. What is mere animal 
life without his? Oh! break my rebellious spirit, and bring th 
inner man into true subjection to thee. 

" — 10. I am meditating a sermon on drawing water from the 
wells of salvation. Let me ever keep it in faithful remembrance, 
that I preach to my own heart first, and then to my people's. 1 
have been arranging the difierent texts which describe Gospel 
graces and promises under the emblem of water. I must be mor;' 
and more urgent in drawing from the fountain of God's word. 

ci — 12. One day nearer death and eternity. Lift up my heart, 
O God ! in earnest prayer for real blessings. Let me be more de- 
sirous of graces than gifts, and yet remember that both are from 
thee. 

" — 16. A thick fog this morning. Is this the only fog? On 
looking over my diary, I see much to lament. Wliat a map of 
frailty ! O, my Redeemer, how shall I estimate the infinite value of 
that blood of thine, which was shed for sin. What arc my time, 
reading, learning, memory, situation, influence, authority, money, 
and other various abilities, of mind and body, but so many talents 
lent me by God, of which I must speedily render an account? 
Have I any talents for the ministry? Do I use them as not abus- 
mg them? Are they with a single eye and heart consecrated to 
the honour of God ? 



REV. LEGH RICHMOND. 47 

" Mar. 17. I plainly perceive that the Lord has permitted me to 
suffer a dereliction, as a just punishment for too much careless- 
ness ; but O ! my Lord Jesus, let me see the light of thy counte- 
nance. Fix my roving wishes, and nail them to thy cross ; and 
oh ! let me remember, that no flower can blow in Paradise, which 
is not transplanted from Gethsemane; no one can taste of the fruit 
of the tree of life, that has not tasted of the fruits of the tree of 
Calvary. 

" — 18. A day of rest. Rest thou, O my soul ! from vanity 
and the world. Fix thyself on the cross, and there muse and con- 
template, till thou art filled with the theme. 

" — 24. I purpose to preach five evening lectures next week, 
on the progress, nature, and extent of Christ's sufferings. May 
the subject animate my soul, and through grace give life to my 
weak faith. 

" Lord dead ! and thus end all hopes of preferment (as it is 

called) from that quarter. How absurd to build on man ! Wherever 
the Lord designs me to do good, he will keep or place me ; and in 
him all is right, and as it should be. 

" — 26. How many unforeseen events crowd upon my atten- 
tion ; what a strange busy scene is this, and how it strives to steal 
the heart from God ! 

" — 27. I feel much dissatisfied with myself Lord, what am I, 
that thou shouldst so regard me ? A worm, a vile worm of the 
dust. I am to preach to-night a lecture on Christ's sufferings. 
What do I suffer for him ? 

" — 30. Good-Friday. I bless God that my first act has been 
weeping for thy sorrows, O my Saviour !" 

It is impossible to peruse the foregoing extracts without a deep 
conviction of the sincerity and earnestness of the writer. The 
heart seems to be unfolded before us, stripped of the illusions of 
self-love, which are so apt to mingle in the estimate that we form 
of ourselves ; and conscience is armed with all the authority of a 
judge, and pronounces its impartial verdict. 

We see in his internal conflicts the struggles between the two 
opposing principles, " the flesh and the spirit ;" the strivings of 
inward corruption, and the aspirations of the soul tow^irds God. 
The feelings of every renewed heart w^ill harmonise with this de- 
scription ; though the accurate observer will not fail to remark, 
that the full triumphs of faith and hope were yet wanting, and 
that stability, which time and experience are necessary to bestow ; 



48 MEMOIRS OF THE 

for though the principle which renewed the heart is marked 
throucrhout by circumstances whi<?h ascertain its reality, its effects 
and iiifliieiicos are always progressive. Tiie realer who is less 
faniihar with thoso thinj^s, may here learn a most instructive les- 
son. He may not comprehend the doctrine of conversion — he 
may know nothing of the conflicts of the soul — nothing of the two 
principles within, alternately striving for the mastery — nothing of 
that jealousy over the heart, and that deep conviction of its de- 
pravity, expressed in the Diary of Mr. Richmond. Let him then 
examine the fact here presented to his notice; he sees a man un- 
dergoing a visible and remarkable change in his views and con- 
duct, and his principles and affections directed to high and holy 
objects— the reality of the principle attested by the reality of its 
effects, and iiiward grace illustrated by outward holiness. Let him 
remember, that the conversion, so strikingly exhibited in the case 
of Mr. Richmond, is no less needed by himself; — that it is indis- 
pensable to his admission into the abodes of peace and glory ; and 
that if heaven be a prepared place for a prepared people, and a fit- 
ness for its enjoj'ments be essential to their possession, there must 
be a knowledire of this principle, an inward experience of its power, 
and an outward evidence of its existence in the life, before he can 
have a well-grounded assurance of a happy immortality ; for the 
spirit of heavenly inspiration has recorded, in characters never to 
be obliterated, ^'except ye be converted, ye shall in no wise enter 
into the kinirdom of heaven." 



CHAPTER V. 

Relation of cirmmslances occurring during the period of the foregoing Hiapter, 

The plan of the preceding chapter having restricted us to the 
illustration of a particular principle and its effects, we now pro- 
ceed to notice what occurred within the period that has just been 
traversed. We have already alluded to the sermon preached by 
Mr. Richmond at Bath, ' On cruelty to the brute creation,' and to 
the publication of that discourse, at the request of the congrega- 
tion. As the attention of the legislature has of late years been 
often directed to this subject, we think the following extract will 
not be deemed altogether without interest. 

*' This dominion over the creatures was given to Adam, whilst 
the likeness of God shone forth in him ; consequently it was a 
merciful dominion. It was a sovereignty designed to be exercised 



REV. LEGH RICHMOND. 40 

with every possible kindness of treatment, which the grateful and 
benevolent temper of man, in his state of primitive righteousness, 
could suggest. Hence we are enabled to deduce the right of the infe- 
rior creatures to kindness of treatment, from a most satisfactory and 
unerring source of argument, no less than an explicit revelation of 
God's will, coeval witii the foundation of the world itself. The merci- 
ful design of God in making man the lord of tlie creation, is merci^ 
fully manifest ; for such was the holiness of man's heart, such the pu- 
rity of his affections before the fall, that every creature subjected to 
his rule was assured of being happy. The intention of God, whose 
loving kindness is over all his works, was fully accomplished by ap- 
pointing man, such as he was whilst in Paradise, to be the inter- 
mediate instrument of his goodness towards them. Made in the 
express image of an holy and merciful God, Adam, like his Maker, 
was holy and merciful too." 

We might here have noticed another sermon, published by him 
two or three years prior to this period, entitled, ' Rejections sug- 
gested by the close of the year,' which passed into a fourth edition. 
It abounds with impressive remiarks and strong appeals to the young 
and to the old, on the shortness and uncertainty of human life ; 
but his religious views not having then attained the maturity and 
correctness by which they were afterwards characterised, we for- 
bear making any extracts from it. 

The religion of Mr. Richmond, though it engaged his most ear- 
nest and anxious thoughts, had no tinge of gloom or austerity, He 
was at all times cheerful ; and the following letter, addressed to his 
aunt about this period, inclosing his profile, is an instance of that 
playfulness of humour in which he was often accustomed to indulge, 

" Brading, Feb. 10, 1803. 
"My dearest Aunt, 
" Being unwilling to trust mere pen and paper to make excuse 
for my long silence, I have sent a representative to do it for me j 
humbly conceiving that a shadow of an apology would be best 
made by a shadow of a man. Now, my dear aunt, unsubstantial 
as a shadow is, it may nevertheless be the means of creating a very 
solid idea of the thing signified. At all events, it is better than no- 
thing ; more especially as this shadow possesses (what other sha- 
dows do not) a stationary faculty ; and I do apprehend, that 
wliether the sun shines or not, and whether a candle be or be not 
in the room, the said shadowy gentleman will not quit your fire- 
side witjiout leave, if you think him worthy of being once placed 

5 



80 MEMOIRS OF THE 

there. It is true, that from the very constitution o( his nature, he 
rather looks frofn than at you — but what then? A man's heart 
may look one way, whilst his eyes turn another ; and I beg you 
to take it for granted, that he is thinking very much about you, 
notwithstandintj the imperfection of his bodily frame impedes his 
treating you with a full slare. If you please, you may fancy him 
in the pulpit, and that your pew happens to be rather on one side 
of him, which will fully account for his looking strait forward ; as 
imagining that his admonitions and reproofs are less wanted in the 
pew on his right hand, than in many other parts of the church. It 
may, indeed, seem somewhat strange that any one, who has re- 
nounced (or at least, as a parson, ought to be supposed to have 
renounced) all dealings with the black art, should send a black 
gentleman as an ambassador and representative. But strange, or 
not strange, so it is ; and here he comes, and begs leave to say, 
that he is generally considered as bearing a strong resemblance to 
his master ; upon the strength of which plea, he chiefly hopes foi 
a favourable reception at your hands." 

The following lines were written on the occasion of the loss of a 
young midshipman and nine sailors, belonging to his majesty's ship 
Leviathan, who were unfortunately drowned, not far from his resi- 
dence in the Isle of Wight, in the year 1804: — 

Ilark to a voic€ that sounds from ocean's caves, 
Ye mortals, who in fancied safiiy sleep I 
They that in shijje o'erpass the stormy wavea, 
See and declare God's wonders in the deep. 

Warn'd by our sudden fate, learn heaven to prize , 
Earth's pleasures fade, her riches quickly flee ; 
Death in one awful moment clos'd our eyes, 
Thou know'st not but the next may summon thee. 

We add some further specimens of his poetical efforts: — 

A BIRTH DAY TIIOrGirF. 

My birth-day of nature I've oftentimes kept, 

And rejoic'd in the revels of youth ; 
Yet 'twas all but a dream, for I slumber'd and slept. 

Quite a stranger to God and his truth. 

But he pitied my soul, I awoke from my sleep, 

And he saved me in infinite love ; 
A new birthnlay my Saviour then taught me to keep, 

For asain I wa.s born from above. 

And now I b<lieve that the Ot^ of all peace 

Will be mine till with ar^e 1 am hoary ; 
But if anirels rejoiced at my binh-day of grace, 

How they'll sing on my binh-day of glory I L R. 



REV. LEGH RICHMOND. 61 

" No cloud can overshadow a true Christian, but his faith will dis- 
cern a rainbow in it." — Bp, Home. 
The same idea versified : — 

What though a cloud o'ershade my sight, 

Big with affliction's tear ; 
Yet Faith, amidst the drops that fall, 

Discerns a rainbow there. L. R. 

Epitaph on the death of his own infant : — 

This lovely bud, so young, so fair, 

Call'd hence by early doom, 
Just came to show how sweet a flower 

In Paradise would bloom. 

r 

By a reference to the Diary, it will be seen that an allusion was 
made to Mr. Richmond's review of the late Archdeacon Daubeny's 
Vindici(B EcclesicB AnglicancB.'^ This critique, written in the 
year 1804, and inserted in the Christian Observer, claims a just 
title to distinction among productions of this class ; whether we 
consider the ability and conclusiveness of its reasoning, the exten- 
sive acquaintance which it manifests with the writings of the 
Reformers, and with the genuine principles and doctrines of the 
Church of England, or the conciliatory spirit in which it is written. 
Controversy is here stripped of the acrimonious spirit which too 
often disgraces its pages ; and truth is pursued without violating 
the law of charity. By a writer in the Critical Review for June, 
1805, this critique is called, " the most respectable" work which has 
yet come before him. " In delivering" this opinion," he declares him- 
self to have been " influenced by a regard to the author's experi- 
ence and learning on the matters in dispute, to the soundness of his 
principles, to his talents as a reasoner, and to the moderation and 
good temper with which he expresses himself" He adds, that the 
author "has manifested a considerable acquaintance with the 
writings of the Reformers, and the history of the religious opinions 
of their day ;" and that he " has successfully exposed some errors 
of Mr. Daubeny, and has thrown out several remarks which may 
well deserve the attention of that gentleman." That the reader 
may be fully in possession of the circumstances of this contro- 
versy, it is necessary to state, that the Rev. Mr. Overton had 
written a work, entitled, ' the True Churchman ascertained,' in 
which he undertakes to vindicate that portion of the clergy usually 
designated 'Evangelical,' from the charges and insinuations of 

* See p. 39. 



59 MEMOIRS OF THE 

their opponents ; aad to prove the priority of their claim to the 
title of true churchmen, from their stricter adherertce to the rea 
doctrines of the church. In the prosecution of this ohject, the real 
sense of the articles and doctrint's of the Reformers is investii^^aied 
and appeiileii to ; and the conclusion then drawn is, that, l>y a 
reference to this standard, a very serious defection will be found 
to have taken place, among many of the clergy, from the doc- 
trines of their own church, and from the principles established at 
the Reformation. A man boUi enough to Jidvance a charge like 
this, must naturally have expected to create a host of ailversaries, 
and must have looked for support, under such a conflict, to the 
sincerity of his motives, and llie supposed authority of his lactg 
and evidence. It is impossible, however, to peruse this book, and 
not to acknowledge the great research, the acuteness of argument, 
the able exposition of the doctrines arid principles of the Church of 
England, and the methodical arrangement manilested by the 
author, in the execution of his work ; which, if properly revised, 
and purified from some of the defects imputed to it, miirlit still be 
made highly instrumental to the removal of many doctrinal errors 
in the present day. Many living authors were specified by name 
on this occasion, and extracts adduced from their writings, as fur- 
nishino- undeniable testimony of a departure from sound doctrine. 
Mr. Diiubeny being classed, and in some respects rather unjustly, 
with others whose sentiments were more reprehensible than those 
he professed, came (brward on his own behalt* and on that of a 
large body of the clergy, to vindicate himself and them from the 
charge of being corrupters of sound doctrine, and produced his 
* Vindicire EcclesiiB Anglicance,' in reply. It is this last work which 
gave rise to the critique of Mr. Richmond. Without entering at 
large into ihe subject, we shall confine ourselves to the selection of 
those portions of it, in which the interests of sound faitli and vital 
reliirion seem to be most at issue. 

Though Mr. Daubeny seems in some places to distinguish be- 
tween baptismal and spiritual regeneration, there are other pas- 
sages in which he appears to consider them as contemporaneous 
and inseparable, and as declared to be so in the judgment of our 
own church. On this subject, Mr. Richmond remarks — '^as to the 
expressions which Mr. Daubeny brings forward, as proofs that the 
church considers baptism and regeneration to be synonymous ; we 
would observe, that the church is 7tsu4illy mudc to speak in the 
name ami in th^ character of that part of //, which truly be- 
Ueves and partakeit of her saving pririleges ; and when asser- 



REV. LEGH RICHMOND. 53 

tions were made as to the eJfficacy of the sacraments, the blessm^ 
of church communion, the state of the departed, and other impor- 
tant articles of Christian hope and beUef, whether it be in the form 
of pubhc prayer, homihes, articles, apologies, or catechisms, it is 
'presumed that all who unite in the use of hei^ forms of worship^ 
and are not, by open and known delinquency, worthy of excom- 
munication, are really such as we hope and pray they should be. 
There is clearly a very wide distinction between the expression of 
a general hope, and a determination as to each individual case. 
Without the former, no public forms can be drawn up ; but we 
cannot hazard the latter, without wholly mistaking the nature of 
ihe Christian covenant. 

" The Church of England, in her office of infant baptism, cer- 
tainly presumes on the regeneration of every baptised cliild. But 
she does the same, in the office for those of riper years, respecting 
ever}^ adult who is baptised. In the latter case, however, it is 
clearly a charitable presumption ; and the exact parallelism 
of the two forms furnishes good ground for supposing that it is 
the same in the former. If regeneijLtion is to be considered as 
ahvays accompanying the rite of baptism, we shall be brought to 
the dilemma of admitting that an insincere adult, who, though he 
professes, yet does not possess, the requisites of faith and repent- 
ance, must nevertheless be regenerated without either : contrary 
to the express doctrine of scripture and of the church." 

This explanation, if rightly considered, would solve the difficulty 
on this much agitated subject. It is the principle wliich pervades 
all our services ; nor can they be understood, or defended, on any 
Dther supposition. They are framed throughout on the presump- 
tion that all her worshippers are sincere, and as such, she addresses 
them in terms appropriate to true believers. If we examine the 
construction of the services of the church, and study their design 
and import, we shall see that whether it be in tlie rite r)f baptism — 
of confirmation — of the sacrament of the liord's supper — in the 
solemnization of matrimony — in the visitation of ilie sick — or in 
the final close of all earthly offices, the burial of the dead — the 
language of devotional feeling is indiscriminately put into the 
mouth of the living, and that of faith and hope is expressive of her 
sentiments for the dead. If truth seem to be somewhat violated 
by this arrangement, because it is impossible to suppose that alJ 
. are truly partakers of the character and privileges ascribed to 
1 them, we should bear in mind that the defect, if it be right to em- 
1 ploy such a term, is in fact a defect of discipline, rather than an 



64 MEMOIRS OF THE 

imperfection in tlie constitution and design of the church. Nor 
can tlie fornnihiricsof piibHo worsliip be correctly modelled on any 
other principle than that now apparent in them. The outward 
profession is the testimony to the church, and the warrant for all 
her declarations : the inward experience is left to the eye and judg- 
ment of God ; and thus, presuming that her worsliippers mean 
what their presence and profession are supposed to imply, she 
charitably appropriates to each the language of promise and privi- 
lege; leaving to every man's conscience to perform the faithful 
office of an approving or condemning monitor. There are, how- 
ever, beacons held out to guard against the consequences of self- 
delusion. In the administration of the Lord's supper, a possibility 
is admitted of the communicant being an unworthy partaker, so as 
to forfeit the promised blessing, and to incur the threatened guilt. 
Why then is the blessing to be considered revocable in the one. 
sacrament, and irrevocable in the other ; and not, rather, in both 
mstances, dependent on the quo animo of the receiver, and on the 
sincerity and faith by which he is actuated in the performance of 
the duty ? That such is the supposition, is evident from the lan- 
guage used in the twenty-seventh Article, wherein baptism is called 
"the sign of regeneration, or new birth, whereby they that receive 
baptism rifchtly, are grafted into the church." The promise is 
here applied and limited, not to the risjrht administration, hut to 
the right reception of baptism. In the case of children dying in 
infancy, and perhaps in many other cases, that baptism and regene- 
ration may be contemporaneous, w^e will readily admit ; that they 
are so, under all circumstances, is as unsupported by fact as by 
Scripture ; for how can we suppose a principle to have been com- 
municated, when we can discover none of its evidences and effects 1 
Or how can the rite be deemed inseparable from the blessing, when 
the instance of Simon Magus is a recorded proof to the contrary ? 

The following authorities, adduced by Mr. Richmond, are very 
conclusive in showing how untenable is the position, that the grace 
of the sacrament is inseparable from its administration. 

"'Grace sometimes goes befor*? a sacrament, sometimes follows 
it, and sometimes does not follow it.'* — Theodoret. 

'*St. Augustin. commenting on the passage, *they all drank the 
same spiritual drink, but with some of them God was not well 
pleased,' makes the following remark : 'Though all the sacraments 
were common to all, yet the grace, which is the virtue of the sacra- 

♦ "Gratia sacramcntum aliquando pneccdit, aiiquaudo scquitufj aliquando 
nee Bcquitur." 



REV. LEGH RICHMOND. 55 

ment^ was not common to all. As it is also now, under a dispen- 
sation which was not then known, the laver of regeneration is 
common to all that are baptized in the name of the Father, Son, 
and Holy Ghost ; hut the grace itself^ belonging to the sacra- 
ment^ by which the members of the body of Christ are regene- 
rate with their hcad^ is not common to alV^ 

" St. Chrysostom observes, ' Many are baptized with water, wh^ 
are not baptized with the Holy Ghost ; they seem to be the sons of 
God in respect of their baptism, but^ indeed^ they are not the sons 
of God, because they are not baptized with the Holy Ghost?\ 

" St. Jerome has a similar passage, in his Commentary on the 
third chapter of the Galatians. 

" The remark of Hooker is very justly and powerfully expressed : 
*They (the sacraments) contain in themselves no vital force or 
efficacy : they are not physical, but moral instruments of salvation ; 
duties of service and worship ; which unless we perform as the 
Author of grace requireth, they are unprofitable. For all receive 
not the grace of God, which receive the sacrament of his grace?X 
There are other passages, where he speaks very strongly of the 
grace consequent on the use of the sacraments, but he is always to 
be understood as limiting their application to the persons of be- 
lievers. Nay, so explicit is he in annexing the promise of the grace 
to the fulfilment of the required conditions, that he does not scruple, 
in another part, to declare, that ' he which is not a Christian before 
he come to receive baptism, cannot be made a Christian by baptism ; 
which is only the seal of the grace of God before received.' "§ 

To the above quotations might be added, a very conclusive re- 
mark from Bishop Latimer, one of the Reformers. " Christ saith," 
he observes, " ^except a man be born again from above, he cannot 
see the kingdom of God.' He must have a regeneration: and what 
is this regeneration ? It is not to be christened in water, (as these 
fire-brands expound it,) and nothing else. How is it to be expound- 

* Omnes eundem potum spiritualem biberunt, sed non in omnibus bene 
placitum est Deo : et cum essent omnia communia sacramenta, non commu- 
nis erat omnibus gratia, quae sacramentorum virtus est. Sicut et nunc, jam 
revelata fide quo? tunc velabatur, omnibus in nomine Patris et Filii et Spiritus 
Sancti baptizatis commune est lavacrum regenerationis, sec/ ipsa gratia, cujiis 
sunt sacramenta qua membra corporis Christi cum sua capite regcnerata 
sunt, non communis est omnibus. 

t See his fifth Homily on St. Matthew. 

t See Ecclesiastical Polity, book 5, p. 273, folio edition. 

§ Ibid. p. 276. 



fi6 MEMOIUS OF THE 

ed then? St. Peter showeth, that one plnceof Scripture dec^areth 
another. It is the circuinstance and collation of places that make 
Scripture plain. St. Peter sailh, ' we be born a<;aiii.' How? 'Not 
by a mortal seed, but by an immortal.' What is tliis immortal seed? 
By the xcord of the iiririir (i<nl^ by the word t)f God preached and 
opened : thus cometh in our new births* Latimer here attributes 
regeneration to its true source, to the efficacy of God's word on the 
heart anrl conscience ; and, by his sarcastic remark, evidently con- 
siders the doctrine of a baptismal and spiritual regeneration as a 
Popish error, the opus operatum of the Cliurch of Rome. 

The part of Mr. Daubeny's work in which he most discovers the 
error of his doctrinal sentiments, is, where he asserts that thn faith 
which justifies, is neither naturally nor necessarily productive of 
good works, and that there may be even "a firm belief in Christ, 
as the whole and sole cause of salvation," which may convey to 
the professing party his original interest in the merits of Christ ; 
and which, nevertheless, may be unfruitful and inoperalive.t 

In reference to this remark, Mr. Richmond observes, "on a riglit 
understanding of this doctrine, and of its real efficacy on the heart 
of the believer, stands the very foundation of pure and undefiled 
religion. No point can be more clearly laid down by our Reformers 
and early divines, than that it is one and the same faith, which 
unites us to Christ — wliich justifies — which saves — which gives 
to the penitent and believing sinner his title to the heavenly in- 
heritance — and which purifies and renders him meet for the pos- 
session of it." To prove that the faith which justifies is not inope- 
rative, he then refers largely to the book of Homilies, from which 
we select the following passages. 

" The right and true Christian faith is, not only to believe that 
holy Scripture, and all the aforesaid articles of our faith, are true; 
but also to have a sure trust and confidence in God's merciful pro- 
mises to be saved from everlasting damnation by Christ; whereof 
doth follow a loving heart, to obey his command ments.X 

" Faith doth not lie dead in the heart, but is lively and fruitful, in 
bringing forth good works.) 

*' As the light cannc't be hid, but will shew forth itself, at one 
place or other; so a true faith cannot be kept secret; but. when 

♦ Fathers of the Eng'lish Chnrch, vol. ii. p. 654. 
t VindicicD Erclcftia? Anjrlicau:c, p. 350. 
t Homily on Siiivati(^n, p. 25. 

§ Homily on Faith, first part, p. 29. See alao the Homily on Faith and 
Good Worlu for all the giibscqiR-nt quotations. 



REV. LEGH RICHMOND. 57 

occasion is offered, it will break out, and show itself by good 
works. 

" There be two kinds of faith ; a dead and unfruitful faith ; and 
a faith lively, that worketh by charity. The first is unprofitable : 
the second necessary for the obtainnig of our salvation : the lohich 
faith hath charity always joined unto it ; and is fruitful^ and 
^ringeth forth all good works. 

" The true, lively, and Christian faith, is no dead, vain, or unfruit- 
lul thing ; but a thing of perfect virtue, of wonderful operation or 
working, and strength, bringing forth all good motions and good 
works. 

" Now, forasmuch as he that believeth in Christ hath everlasting 
iife, it must needs consequently follow, that he that hath this faith, 
must have also good works, and be studious to observe God's com- 
mandments obediently. 

^' As soon as a man hathfaith^ anon he shall flourish in good 
works ; for faith of itself is full of good works ^ and nothing is 
good without faith." 

In the works of Tindal the Reformer, there is the following de- 
scription of the true and justifying faith, as contra-distinguished 
from a mere notional and professional faith. 

" Right faith is a thing wrought by the Holy Ghost in us, which 
changeth us, turneth us into a new nature, and begetteth us anew 
in God, and maketh us the sons of God ; and killeth the old Adam, 
and maketh us altogether new in the heart, mind, will, lust, and in 
all other affections and powers of the soul : the Holy Ghost ever ac- 
companying her, and ruling the heart. Faith is a lively thing ; 
wAghty in workings valiant and strong ; ever doings ever fruit- 
ful ; SO that it is impossible that he which is endued therewith, 
should not work ahoays good works, without ceasing. '^'^^ 

Without multiplying quotations from Cranmer, Jewell, Hooker, 
and others, we shall only add the testimony borne by the twelfth 
Article. " Albeit that good works, which are the fruits of faith, and 
follow after justification, cannot put away our sins, and endure the 
severity of God's judgment; yet are they pleasing and acceptable 
to God in Christ, and do spring out necessarily of a true and 
lively faith ^ insomuch that by them a lively faith may be as 
evidently known, as a tree discerned by the fruit. ''^ 

We close these extracts with the following scriptural authori- 
ties : — "Whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world ; and 
this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith.'' 
♦ See Fathers of the English Church, vol. i. p. 51. 



58 MEMOIRS OF THE 

Who is he tliat overconieth the world, but he that beheveth that 
Jesus is the son of God V—lJohn v. 4, 5. "Purifying their 
hearts by faitli."— .'1^^9xv. 9. " Faith, which worketh by love."— 
Oal. V. G. Many other passages might be quoted: see John i. 12, 
13; iii. 36; v. 2^4; Ilcb. xi. 

We should not have indul^red in these lengthened remarks, were 
it not from the convielion tliat the doctrinal errors which have 
hovn specified, are far from being confined to the name of the late 
Archdeacon Daubeny, (whom we would here wish to mention with 
all the tenderness of respect due to his character and virtues ;) but 
tliat they still exist to no inconsidi rable extent. It is impossible 
not to admit, that on the subject of faith and works, there is a great 
iiidislinctncss and amniguity of language; much misconception as 
to their order and precedence, and that the nature and properties 
of a justifying faith are not sufficiently distinguished from a mere 
notional faith, or speculative assent of the understanding, unac- 
companied oy any of its genuine effects on the heart and life. Yet 
if tliis doctrine, as it has been asserted by one of its most celebrated 
champions.* be the '"* articuJiis stantis vel cadcntis Eccleslce^"' 
that important article of faith, on the right understanding of which 
every church must stand or fall, how can we contemplate the 
existence of so fundamental an error, in any of the ministers of 
our own church, without the most anxious forebodings as to its ul- 
timate consequences ? 

Again, if we are told that in baptism all are regenerated, though 
we see thousands wiio have been baptized exhibiting no traces of a 
renewed heart or holy life, how can we reconcile the contrariety of 
the fact with the existence of the principle, or with the positive de- 
claration of Scripture, "whosoever is born of God doth not com- 
mit sin, for his seed remaineth in him ; and he cannot sin, (that is to 
say. cannot wilfully and habitually sin,) because he is born of 
God ?" — 1 John iii. 9. To refer the members of the visible church 
to regeneration at baptism, as alone sufficient to accredit their pre- 
tensions to the Christian character, is, in the judgment of Mr. 
Richmond, and of the writer of this memoir, to present a fatal opi- 
ate to their consciences, and to nullify a most solemn and necessa- 
ry admonition, {given ^ let it be observed, to the baptized,) "Exa- 
mine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith." — 2 Cor. xiii. 5. 

It is much to be lamented that Mr. Kichmond never undertook 
the exposure of these errors, and of others that might be mentioned; 

♦ Luther. 



REV. LEGH RICHMOND. 53 

on a more extended scale ; fitted as he was for the task, by his ex- 
tensive research, his matured experience, his acknowledged powers, 
and the benignity of his character. We cannot furnish a stronger 
evidence of the Christian spirit, divested of all party feeling, that 
would have influenced him in the execution of such a work, than 
in laying before the reader the concluding passages of his Review. 
After having vindicated the construction, attributed by Mr. Overton 
to the Articles of the Church of England, of a modified Cal- 
vinism^ remote from all objectionable extremes, he bursts forth 
into the following animated and Christian strain : — 

"Are, then, the doctrines of the Church of England to be consi- 
dered as Calvinistic? — Certainly not; if by that expression the as- 
sertion of all Calvin's peculiarities is intended. Are they then 
Arminian? — No, by no means; if a similar mode of defining that 
term is to be employed. But are we hence to infer that none are 
to be admitted within the pale of the church, who think either with 
the one or the other of these eminent divines, on the points at issue 
between them? This would be a very unfounded conclusion. The 
qualifications requisite to form a sound member of the Church of 
England, do not by any means turn on the avowal or rejection of 
the peculiar dogmas of Calvin or Arminius. Who, may we not 
ask, is Calvin? or, who is Arminius? Were they crucified for us, 
or were we baptized in their name ? We have only one master to 
whom we owe subjection, even Christ. Do we believe and rely on 
him as our only Saviour? Are we humbled before God,., under a 
deep sense of our sinfulness, and of our innumerable transgres- 
sions of his law ? Conscious of merited wrath, are we making 
Jesus Christ our sole refuge ; and is our every hope of pardon, 
acceptance, and final salvation, founded on his obedience, sacrifice, 
mediation, and intercession? Conscious of our natural ignorance 
and weakness, are we exercising an habitual dependence on the 
Holy Spirit* for light and strength ? Through his power are we 
striving to be delivered from all sin, and to obtain the renewal of 
our hearts to hohness after the image of God? Are we living as 
those ought to do, who are looking for death and judgment, and 
who are candidates for a heavenly crown? Are we obeying Christ 
as our supreme Lord? Is love to God the predominant affection 
of our souls ; and does it produce the fruit of cheerful, unremit- 
ting, and unreserved obedience ? Do we feel the force of gratitude 
to our God and Saviour, inciting us to the cultivation of all holy, 
heavenly, and devout affections; and to the performance of every 
civil, social, and relative duty? Are we at the same time dihgently 



60 MEMOIRS OF THE 

using the means which God has instituted in liis church for out 
growth in grace, and advanctMuent in the knowledge and in the 
love of God ? Do we constantly frequent his courts ? Do we at- 
tend lo tlie table of tfie Lord ? Do we read and hear his word with 
an earnest desire to be made acquainted with his will 7 Are we 
habitually watchful over our hearts and lives, and assiduous in tlie 
work of self-examination ? And lo all these means of improvement, 
do we add unceasing and fervent prayer to the God and Father of 
our Lord Jesus Christ, that he would panlon our bins for the sake 
of his Son ; that he would sanctify us wholly ; and through the 
blood of the everlasting covenant, would make us perltct in every 
good word to do his will ! These are the more decisive marks, by 
which our true churchmanship is to be ascertained. May every one 
who reads them, have a testimony in his own conscience, that tliey 
are fairly descriptive of his character." 

Ilis adnionitions to tliose engaged in controversy are thus imprea- 
sively delivered : — 

•' What will it avail them in the great day of account, when the 
contentions which now agitate their minds shall sink into absolute 
insignificance — shall be as if they had never beeu — what will it then 
avail them to have vanquished their adversaries by the superiority 
of their polemical skill, if unhappily imbibing the baneful spirit of 
controversy, tliey shall be found to have violated that brotherly love, 
which forms a distinguishing badge of the real followers of Jesus 
Clirist? ^Certainly,' as the pious Bishop Hall has observed, * Go.l 
abides none but charitable dissentions; those that are well grounded 
and well governed ; grounded upon just causes, and governed with 
Christian charily and wise moderation ; those whose beginning is 
equity, and whose end is peace. If we must differ let these be the 
conditions ; let every one of God's ministers be ambitious of that 
praise which Gregory Nazianzen gives to Athanasius ; to be an 
adamant to them that strike him, and a loadstone to th^i that dis- 
Bont from him ; the one not to be moved with wrong — the other to 
draw those hearts which disagree. So the fruit of righteousness 
shall be sown in peace of them that make peace. So the God of 
peace shall have glory, the church of God rest and our souls un- 
ppeakable consolation and joy, in the day of the appearing of our 
Lord Jesus.' -'* 

* See Hall's Peacemaker, adjinem. 



REV. LEGH RICHMOND. 61 



CHAPTER VI. 

His removal from the Isle of Wight— Temporary connexion with the Lock Hospital^ in 
London — and final settlement at Turvey. 

A CHANGE of residence, and of his sphere of labour, is to a mi- 
nister, at all times, a subject for grave deliberation. He can take no 
step, in the consequences of which, others are not deeply involved 
as well as himself In no instance does he stand alone ; his prin- 
ciples, habits, and conduct, wheresoever he goes, exercise iheir 
powerful effects on all around him ; and he is the star by whose 
genial or unfriendly influence, their present, as well as future des- 
tiny, is in a great measure to be determined. It is this truth which 
constitutes the moral responsibility attendant on the acceptance of 
a new appointment. If the glory of God, and the conversion of 
immortal souls, are the grand objects of which, as a minister, he is 
never to lose sight ; nothing less than a deliberate and well-founded 
conviction that these are likely to be promoted by the step contem- 
plated, ought to determine his removal, more especially from a scene 
where his labours have been owned and blessed. 

So long, however, as we are assured that " the Lord ordereth a 
good man's goings," and " appointeth the bounds of his habita- 
tion :" the indications of his will, and the openings of his provi- 
dence, rightly interpreted, will ever form the best guide and ground 
for his determination. It was under the fullest conviction that he 
was pursuing the path of duty, that Mr. Richmond was induced to 
listen to the proposition of assisting the Rev. Mr. Fry, in his labori- 
ous services as Chaplain to the Lock Hospital, in London. The 
prospect of a more extended sphere of usefulness, and the inade- 
quacy of his income to meet the demands of an increasing family, 
rendered such an offer highly eligible ; and we shall see by the re- 
Bult. in what manner his acceptance of this appointment, short as 
was its duration, providentially led the way to all the subsequent 
events of his life. He proceeded, therefore, to London, to confer on 
the subject of this new arrangement, and preached his first sermon 
from the following text : — '• But of him are ye in Christ Jesus, who 
of God is made unto us wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctifica- 
tion, and redemption.-' — 1 Cor. i. 30. 

Some extracts from letters written to his wife at this time, pre- 
viously to the removal of his family from Brading, will throw alight 
on a few of the circumstances connected with this change of his 
residence and ministry. 

6 



02 MKMOIRS OK THE 

London^ Fcbrjary 5, 1805. 
"I lliiiik I may say, I am determined to try this situation. The 
Lord seems to give me such tokens of alfeetion. frieiidsliip, and 
aeceptahh'ness, amongst the congregation of the Lock, and points 
• lit so many spiritual advantages, thoug]i mingled with great trials 
:md temptations, that I beheve I am right in coming to this deci- 
sion. On Wednesday evening, 1 preached for Mr. Fry. Several 
g*'iiiliMnen spoke to each of us, exi)ressing a hope that I should un- 
dertake the charge ; and one of them suggested that if it were an 
object to me, he did not doubt that very many would gladly con- 
tribute towards the expenses of the removal, and some increase of 
salary. The hint was kind, whatever might be the result. Yester- 
day mornin'T, Mr. Fry and I conversed for a considerable time toge- 
ther. I told liiin all my history and circumstances. He seems resol- 
ved to omit nothing which may contribute to the hopefulness and 
comfort of my arrangement; and I really think that it is God's 
will that I should repose a temporal as well as a spiritual confi- 
dence in liim. I called yesterday on Mr. Wilberforce. who put five 
pounds into my hand to go about from poor to poor and distribute. 
Blessed commission ! I am to dine there to-day, and to take leave 
of the Dean of Carlisle, who goes to Cambridge to-morrow. No 
two men ever harmonized more sweetly in opinion, views, taste, 
judjiment, &c. than Mr. Fry and myself. Our friendship is form- 
ing and confirniing on the best grounds, I trust. You will judge 
how little able I am to sec many friends, or to do any tiling but la- 
bour in my vocation, when I tell you that I am to preach twice on 
Good Friday, twice on Easter Sunday, once on Easter Tuesday, 
and, perhaps, Easter Monday, and even next Wednesday. You 
cannot write too often ; the sight of your letters cheers and delights 
me. I wish I could play on the ground for half an hour with the 
children." 

" Londun, Sunday^ April 15, 1805. 
" I begin a few lines to you, my dearly beloved wife, in the in- 
terval between my two services ; and I can hardly give any other 
reason, than that my mini is worked up to a high state of agita- 
tion, by meditating and preparing to preacli to-night, from John 
V. 28, 29, and it wants a few minutes relief. The subject is truly 
solemn ; and the manner in which I propo.se to treat it, will be 
very trying and awful, both to me ajid my hearers. I preached 
to an overflowing congregation, this morning, from Philip iii. 10; 
it cost me great thought an 1 i)ainsj— I administered the sacrament 



REV. LEGH RICHNOMD. 63 

to near two hundred persons. I have been meditating for two 
hours, on death, judgment, heaven, and hell. I feel that in the 
pulpit I shall either deliver myself with very little, or very great 
feeling and effect. Oh ! for a heart to feel more for myself and 
others ; — what a poor, cold, miserable creature I feel myself to be ; 
I am sometimes constrained to cry out — and can such a worthless 
being be saved ?— yet there is worth in Jesus for the most worth- 
less, God make me to experience fully the power of his resurrec- 
tion, lest when I have preached to others, I myself should become 
a cast-away. Adieu for the present, — perhaps I may add a few 
lines before I go to bed. 

" Sunday night, ten o'clock. — My sermon proved very solemn, 
and brought forth very copious tears from many eyes. I trembled 
inwardly, whilst I painted the resurrection and punishment of con- 
demned souls ; and the effect was very striking on a most numer- 
ous and attentive congregation. I am sitting up to think about a 
sermon for to-morrow morning. 

'' Monday morning, five o'clock. — Yesterday, at the sacrament, 
I observed kneeling at the rails, close to Mr. Wilberforce, a negro, 
I was much struck, and many interesting associations filled my 
mind. I find also that it was quite accidental, and that Mr. W. 
knows nothing of him. Last night I dwelt on the meeting of hus- 
bands, wives, parents, and children, at the resurrection, and thought 
deeply of you and your babes ; in fact, I wept : I saw the tears of 
others responding to my own." 

While he was thus engaged in the duties and arrangements 
attendant on his new appointment, the followdng letter will prove 
that in dispensing spiritual instruction to others, he was not un- 
mindful of what he owed to one, whose happiness and welfare 
were so nearly connected with his own. 

" London, April 20, 1805. 
" My dear Wife, 

" I really feel it as an answer to very many prayers, which 1 
have for years past offered up for you, that you are now seriously 
thinking on the all-important subject of religion. I trust you will 
henceforth become my spiritual monitor and counsellor, my help- 
mate in every good word and work, and my wife indeed, united in 
grace as well as in providence. With respect to the iuAvard con- 
flicts and doubts which you entertain in your mind, yoii must seek 
spiritual armour to fight the battle, Remember tliat if you truly 



(^i MEMOIRS OF THE 

(loiro to osrrroino all llie evil tempers, afTceiions, desires, and 
I)rincipie.s of your iKilural heart, you liave an evidenee within, that 
(uh\ nnist havi' wrouj^ht it, and that lie will not sutTer yon to be 
tempted above what you are able to bear, but will, with the temp- 
tation, make a way ^o escape. With respect to prayer, I recom- 
mend yon to consider the precept of * pray always and without 
eeasintr.' This evidently refers to that perpetual disposition of the 
heart to lift itself up in sudden, short, and ejaeulatory prayer, 
w hieh is one of the most necessary means and proofs of grace. It 
is this alone which can render the appointed and regular devo- 
tions of tlie church, the family, and tlie closet, lively, strong, and 
eificacious. Satan will lose much of his strong hold, if you thus 
laboriously strive to obtain a prayerful frame of heart, an habi- 
tual meditation upon Christ and eternity, a frequency of con- 
versing on sacred things, and above all, experimental contempla- 
tion and conversation. The world is a deadly enemy to spiritual 
attainment ; you cannot too soon see the high importance of being 
les«^ conformed to it, in all its vanities, vices, follies, and unprofit- 
able waste of time, gifts, and talents. The Christian w ill appear, 
even in the simplicity of every personal ornament. The dress, the 
countenance, the tone of voice, the address, will lose its former 
levity ; and in the minutest trifles of common life, you will see the 
hand of God leadiuir to important (^vents, and his finger pointing 
to the life tliat is to come. I have just been praying most earnestly, 
that God may carry on such a work in your heart. The grand 
w ork of all is, to believe. This is the root and fountain of all 
other graces. That believing look at the Saviour, which sees an 
interest in him, or which at least leads to full conviction, both of 
his sntrieiency and efliciency to save our ou'7i souls, is the master 
w ork of God. May you be led fully to see this, and in God's own 
tune to rejoice in it. Accustom yourself to talk constantly with 
Nugent and Mary, on the substantial parts of Christianity, and ap- 
peal to those little instances of experience w hich even a child may 
comprehend. I wrote to you yesterday, and hope yon have got 
my letter. I have this instant received your's of Tuesday. I hope 
to be able to leave London by the time you mention. The three 
things which I have to settle, if possible, are — the house, the furni- 
tur<\ and a successor; and I do hope anotlier week will arranjie the 
two former. I only fear for the latter, and this makes me uneasy; 
however, as I shall retain the curacy til! Christmas, there is still 
time and opportunity; but much depends on a desirable substitute 
for the summer, otherwise all might be overthrown. 



I 



REV. LEGH RICMHOND. 65 

" Saturday morning, six o'clock. — I went yesterday to the Hospi- 
tal, and spent three hours in very close inspection of the miserable 
objects whom it contains. I have now resolved on taking the house. 
It is in Chester-street, about a hundred yards from the Lock ; it is 
surrounded by fields, has a very pleasant prospect, charming air, 
great retirement and quietness, with a little garden, a remarkably 
neat exterior, and as neat and comfortable an interior. 

" Our final removal, if we can get a curate, must be in the mid- 
dle of June. I am asked, and have consented, to preach the Cfiarity 
Sermon at Newport, on May 16th. I must once more assure you, 
that I shall not stay a day longer than absolute business requires. 
I trust our separation has been for the best, and that our temporal 
and spiritual concerns, our views and resolutions, tempers and 
principles, will all thrive and prosper for the better. God bless the 
dear children. Kind regards to your fireside, from your truly affec- 
tionate husband, * 

L. Richmond." 

Mr. Richmond's connexion with the Lock Chapel was not of long 
duration. A few weeks after his engagement, the rectory of Tur- 
vey, in Bedfordshire, became vacant by the death of the late Rev. 
Erasmus Middleton, author o^ ^' Biographia Evangelical Mrs. 
Fuller, an eminently pious lady, was at that period in possession 
of the patronage of this benefice ; and being desirous of conscien- 
tiously fulfilling the important and sacred trust committed to her, 
she wrote to the late Ambrose Serle, Esq. one of the commissioners 
of the Transport Office, author of " Horce SolitaricB,^^ and many 
other valuable works, stating that as she was much indebted to 
him, for the benefit she had received from his writings, she would 
present the rectory of Turvey to any clergyman, of similar senti- 
ments with himself, whom he might choose to recommend. Mr. 
Serle, who at that time attended the Lock Chapel as his constant 
place of worship, inmiediately fixed on Mr. Richmond, as the fit- 
test person among his clerical friends and connexions to fill this 
situation. It is, however, a fact highly honourable to him, and 
a proof of the purity of his motives, that he could with difficulty be 
persuaded to accept the nomination. His feelings recall to mind 
the answer of another truly pious and excellent clergyman, who 
has refused to exchange a small curacy for three livings succes- 
sively offered to him, and who will probably, from this circum- 
stance, be recognized by many of the clerical readers of this Me- 
moir, " What can a man want who is useful and happy ;" And^ 

6* 



00 MEMOIRS OF THE 

to cite the remark of anotlier upon tliis truly Christian senti- 
ment, " What can lie want who has Christ in his ministrations, 
and Christ's love in his heart?" 

The objection which Mr. Riclimond made to his acceptance of 
this benefice, arose from the apprehension that he should enter a 
sphere of much less usefulness than that in which he was then en- 
gaged. He was not aware, at that time, that the population of 
Turvey consisted of eight hundred souls. 

He ultimately yielded, however, to the judgment of his friends, 
and entered on his labours at Turvey. He was inducted by his 
friend, Mr. Fry, on th(^ 3()lh of July; and, with his family, went 
to reside at the parsonage in the month of October following. At 
the time of his induction, he wrote the following letter to Mrs. 
Richmond : — 

" My dearest Mary, Emberton; July 30, 1805. 

"I arrived safely, under the divine blessing, at this good man's 
house yesterday. I have but a few minutes for a few lines, but I 
must send those few. I WTut to Turvey this morning. I like the 
place — I like the house, and I feel disposed to be well pleased, in 
spite of the casement windows, which are very good of their kind. 

1 was inducted amidst the ringing of bells, and congregation of 
people, who assembknl in troops, to peep at the new rector, and 
witness the ceremony. The church is very handsome and commo- 
dious. The day is delij^htful, and every thing appeared to advan- 
tage. There are several conveniences about the ])remises. I shall 
reserve all further particulars for conversation on Thursday evening, 
when I hope to see you. To-morrow I go to Mr. Higgins, and to 
make various inquiries at the rectory ; and in the evening I preach 
for Mr. Fry. 

" My first impression of all the premises at Turvey was a favour- 
able one; and I am persuaded all may be comfortable, with a bless- 
ing on a contented and satisfied heart.' 



CHAPTER VH. 

Commencement of his ministerial lahotirx at Turvct/ — Former state of the parish — Plans 
ami exertions for its improi^ment — Judicious rules and regulations of his Friendly 
Society — Eff'ecl of his exertions — His * Fathers of the Fn^lish Church* — Doctrine 
and motle of preaching — Brief rejfcrtions on controversy. 

Mr. Richmond commenced his residence at Turvey, in Octo- 
ber, 1S05. But before we enter on the detail of his ministerial la- 



I 



REV. LEGH RICHMOND. 67 

bours, it may be proper to advert to the state and circumstances of 
the parish, previously to his appointment to it as rector. 

The village of Turvey is situated between the two towns of Bed- 
ford and Olney, being eight miles distant from the former, and 
four from the latter. It was anciently the residence of a noble 
family, some of whose warlike ancestors repose beneath the beau- 
tiful and splendid marble monuments which adorn the chancel of 
the church. What was once the mansion, is now converted into a 
farm-house. Having long ceased to retain its original magnifi- 
cence, it seems, in its present form, to announce the transitory cha- 
racter of human grandeur. The family of the Mordaunts, subse- 
quently Earls of Peterborough, illustrious as it once was in British 
history, and celebrated for its achievements in arms, now no longer 
exists, having become extinct in the year 1814. How justly may 
we apply to these instances of the instability of all earthly digni- 
ties, the impressive exclamation of a distinguished judge of former 
days :* — " And yet Time hath his revolutions ; there must be a pe- 
riod and an end to all temporal things ; — an end of names and dig- 
nities, and of whatsoever is terrene. For where is Bohun ? — where 
is Mowbray ? — where is Mortimer ? Nay, which is more, and most 
of all, where is Plantagenet ? They are entombed in the urns and 
sepulchres of mortality !" 

Previously to Mr. Richmond's incumbency, the village of Turvey 
appears to have been greatly neglected. The duties of the church 
were irregularly performed 5 nor was there ever more than one 
service on the sabbath-day, among a population of at least 800 in- 
habitants. The ordinances of religion were not respected ; the 
minds of the people were grossly ignorant, and their morals and 
manners rude and disorderly. The Rev. Erasmus Middleton was 
Mr. Richmond's immediate predecessor ; a man distinguished both 
for his learning and piety. By him the services of the church 
were increased ; and the work of reformation was gradually, though 
slowly advancing, when this faithful minister was prematurely cut 
off, in the midst of his exertions, having retained his office only for 
the short period of one year. 

Mr. Richmond succeeded Mr. Middleton ; and entered on his new 
appointment with a reputation for talents and piety, which excited 
a great interest in the neighbourhood, and an expectation of exten- 
sive usefvlness among his parishioners. Tlie text of his first ser- 
mon was taken from 1 Cor. ii. 2 ; " For I determined not to know 
liny thing among you, save Jesus Christ and Him rrucified." 
♦ Lord Chief Justice Crewe, in the time of Charles IL 



68 MEMOIRS OF THE 

From tliese words lie unifornily pn^ached on every returning anni- 
versary of liis incumbency, and continued to do so till the last year 
of liis life. 

To tliose wlio overlook the comprehensive meaning of this pas- 
sage of iioly Scripture, the text may seem to be too limited in its 
view, and to restrict the whole summary of divine truth to the doc- 
iniie of the Atonement, without a due regard to other important 
brandies of Christian faith and practice. But let it be remember- 
ed, that the same Apostle, who "determined to know nothing but 
Jesus Clirist and Him crucified," avows also, that he had " not 
>hunncd to declare all the counsel of JJod," (.4c^^ xx. 27.) and 
ei»nsei]uently, the passage must be supposed to comprise witliin 
ii> ample range, the full extent and substance of every thing that 
»s needful to the faith and practice of tlie Christian; nor, indeed, 
i> there a subject of doctrine or of morals, which is not essentially 
iJeniitied with tlie doctrine of the Cross. It is there that we best 
aarn ihe malignity of sin, the depths of the divine love, the neces- 
sity of self-humiliation, the character of holiness, the motives and 
means for its attainment, and the dutiful obligation to " glorify God 
with our bodies and our spirits, which are his." 

The following account of Mr. Richmond's proceedings at Turvey, 
will convey to the reader some notion of his zeal and judgment in 
iTomoling the welfare of his parish. 

On the Sabbath-day, there were two regular full services ; and, 
in the evening, a lecture, more especially designed for the young. 
His weekly labours commenced with what he called his Tuesday- 
night cottage lecture, from its being held successively in the cot- 
tages of the poor, whom he assembled for the purpose of more fa- 
miliar and direct instruction, than could be usefully or suitably de- 
livered in public. On Friday evening a lecture was delivered in 
the church, the prayers for the evening service being previously 
read ; and once a month, he met the communicants, on the Satur- 
day preceding the sacrament. He had also a weekly service at 
llie workhouse. But his lalK)urs were not confined to public in- 
structions; like his divine Master, '' he went about doing good." 
At the cottages of the poor, he was a frequent visitor ; fulfilling 
the apostolical injunction of going from "house to house," scat- 
terim; the precious seed, makinjr himself acquainted with their spi- 
ritual state, and gathering from their answers useful hints and re- 
lied ions for tlie service of the succeeding Sabbath. 

A Sunday school had been established at Turvey for many 
years, endowed by Charles Higgins, Esq. who bequeathed 300L ia 



REV. LEGH RICHMOND. 69 

support of the charity. John Higgins, Esq. of Turvey Albey, his 
ne})hevv and successor, has generously paid an interest lor the be- 
quest, of 20/. a year. Tiie school, though well attended before, liaJ 
its numbers considerably increased, and its regulations greally im- 
proved, by the new rector. He appoir^ted a master of real piety, 
justly considering that on the principles and ciiaracter of the teacher, 
the efficiency and usefulness of these institutior'.s materiaUy depend. 
Mr. Richmond was accustomed to visit the school previously to 
divine service; and, for the benefit of Ids youthful charge, chirfly, 
he engaged in a third service in the church, on the Sunday even- 
ing. Here the first-fruits of his ministry appeared. The conver- 
sion of two young children, who afterwards died happily, followed 
his introductory address to the children. Mr. Richmond, indeed, was 
peculiarly successiul on these occasions, and no part of his irihours 
was attended with more striking effects. It is remarUable, that both 
at Turvey and at Brading, the first memorials of his usefuhiess oc- 
curred in the instance of children. 

Shortly afterwards, he established a Friendly Society. Objec- 
tions have not unfrequently been made to societies of this descrip- 
tion, and a preference given to Savings-banks. It must be admit- 
ted, that some of these objections are not without foundation. It 
has been said, ''that the usual subscription of the members is in- 
sufficient to furnish a sum for the support of the aged — an ir^suffi- 
ciency frequently increased by gross misnjanagement ; — that ordi- 
nary Friendly Societies are republics of the worst kind ; in which 
are found no men of talent or judgment, to control the disorders 
of their meetings, which too often preserjt scenes of drunkenness, 
contention, and misapplication of funds ; — evils which, sooner or 
later, never fail to issue in bankruptcy ; — that a filth part of the 
funds is regularly allowed for liquor, under the idea of encoura- 
ging the publican, at whose house the subscriptions are usually 
paid ; — that the system is productive of much imniorality ; and 
associations and habits formed, which bring on a train of serious 
evils; — that, to the sum allowed from the club, the poor man often 
adds a large part of his weekly earnings ; and, instead of exer- 
cising prudence and economy, he wastes this money in intemperate 
indulgence." These abuses of Benefit Societies have disgusted 
many persons, and induced them to give a preference to Savings- 
banks, unaccompanied with annual dinners, and monthly resorts 
to tJie publican. Admitting, however, the existence of these evils, 
and without detracting from the great public good of the Savings- 
banks, ii ought to be remembered, that the abuses here specified 



70 MEMOIRS OF THE 

form no just grounds of exception to Friendly Societies conducted 
on betliT principles ; and that the Savings-banks cannot accom- 
plish tlie samt^ purposes in any thing like an v({un\ degree. Tlieir 
character and use is widely dilTrrent from those of Friendly Socie- 
ties. 'J'lie little tradesman, the domestic servant, the bailiff or 
overseer of a farm, and others in similar circumstances, may find 
in the banks a safe and profitable repository for their savhigs; but 
the labourer, especially if a married man, has no inclination to 
I:iy up the small sums he subscribes to a Friendly Society; and 
these sums, if deposited at the banks, would seldom meet his ne- 
cessities in sickness and old age. A long illness would exhaust hi:* 
deposits, and oblige him to throw himself on his friends or tho 
parish for a maintenance. But the Friendly Societies are, strictly, 
Insurance Companies : and if tlieir funds be regulated by a just 
rate of insurance, without which, it is granted, no Friendly Society 
deserves support,'— and if they be wisely and properly managed, 
no institution is better calculated to afford the poor a comfortable 
and certain independence. 

Mr. Richmond, who was no mean financier, was fully competent 
to determine the scale of subscription ; and by his judicious ar- 
rangements he prevented the above evils, and effectually secured 
to the poor the benefits of a Friendly Society. It is greatly to be 
desired that his plans were universally known ; and that all Bene- 
fit Societies were formed or re-modelled on similar principles. For 
the information of the public, the following sketch of the Tur\'e> 
elub is inserted. 

The Friendly Society of Turvey was composed of three divi 
sions. 

First, A club fur children of both sexes, from seven to sixteen 
years of age ; each member pays one shilling entrance, and c 
penny per month ; and is allowed in sickness eighteen pence per 
week. From three to four pounds is the yearly expenditure on 
sick meml)ers. The society has deposited 50/. in the Savings-bank, 
after twenty years' duration. The number of its members has 
varied from twenty to forty children. At sixteen years of age a 
member becomes eligible to the senior clubs, and is entitled to re- 
ceive half the entrance-fee required on admission. 

Secondly, The club for women, confined to persons from seven- 
teen to thirty-five years of age. The entrance-fee is five shillings ; 
llie monthly subscription one shilling, or one shilling and eight 
pence, at the option of the members. Those who subscribe the 
larger sum receive six shillings per week in illness; and to the 



JIEV. LEGH RICHMOND. 71 

lesser subscriber is paid four shillings weekly. The number of 
members has varied from thirty to forty. The average payments 
for the last twenty years have been 2OZ.5 and the society has 200Z. in 
the Savings-bank. 

Thirdly, The meri's club, also comprising two classes. The 
members of the one pay one shilling, and of the other one shilling 
and four pence monthly ; and they respectively receive eight shil- 
lings and six shillings weekly in sickness. The entrance-fee is 
seven shillings and six pence. Their annual expenditure has been 
351., and their present fund amounts to nearly 400Z. These clubs 
have about twenty honorary members, who greatly contribute to 
the opulence and prosperity of the institutions ; and their bounty, 
joined to the subscriptions of a constant succession of young mem- 
bers, Mr. Richmond considered, on the calculation of the North- 
ampton tables, to be adequate to the demands of the club. The 
rules and regulations of the Turvey club resemble, in most respects, 
those of other friendly societies ; but some additions and amend- 
ments were made by Mr. Richmond, which are too important to be 
omitted. 

First. — No persons of immoral character were admissible, or 
such as were likely to disgrace the society by habits of drinking, 
impurity, profane swearing, or other notorious crimes. 

Secondly. — A careful superintendance was maintained over the 
members by Mr. Richmond and the officers of the society. Offend- 
ers were admonished ; and after three admonitions, if unreclaimed, 
were excluded from the benefits of the society. 

Thirdly. — The practice of assembling the members of these so- 
cieties at public houses, and of spending a portion of their funds in 
liquor, was prohibited ; and their meetings were held in the vestry 
of the church, at which Mr. Richmond constantly attended. By 
this arrangement nearly 3- fifth part of the funds was saved, and 
the temptations of the public house avoided.* 

In this, and indeed in every other plan of improvement, Mr. 
Richmond was the presiding genius. Every thing was conducted 
under his eye, and owed its success to his wisdom and example. He 
possessed the happy talent of exciting interest, conciliating regard, 
and meeting difficulties with calmness ; he overcame impediments 
by a gentleness which disarmed opposition, a judgment which cor- 
rected mistake, and a temper which diffused universal harmony. 
There was an openness in his manner, which impressed all with 

♦ For the establishment of this club, Mr. Richmond obtained the annual 
prize "for the best reg-ulatcd Benefit Society in the county of Bedford." 



7-2 MEMOIRS OF THE 

a o(.nviction of his sincerity, and prevented a suspicion of hishav- 
incj any other motive, than a wi<h to promote the welfare of his 
parishioners. 

Where he met with opposition, he did not hazard the failure of 
liis measures hy indiscreetly urging them ; hut rather left liis ar- 
guments silently and gradually to produce their effect. Circum- 
spection and caution marked every part of his conduct ; his groat 
aim In in^ at all times to '-give no offence in any thing, that the 
ministry nii^ht not he hlainrd." lie was consistent throughout, in 
Ihe public discharge of his duty, as well as in his general inter- 
course, and private and domestic habits; and thus the energy of 
his zeal in the pulpit was known to be not the excitement of the 
moment, "the sparks of his own kindling;" but the steady flame 
of a Diviiie spirit, imparling to others the sacred glow which ani- 
mated liis own bosom. 

To the character, example, and authority of Mr. Richmond, the 
members of these societies submitted their judgment ; and yielded, 
for the most part, a ready ac<}uiescence in his counsels. 

Notwithstanding the acknowledged excellence of these plans, 
there appears to tlie writer of this memoir, one important defect. 
These societies were still of republican character ; and it was in 
the powTr of the members to injure their own interests by the de- 
cisions of a majority. On one occasion, this defective goveniment 
had nearly proved fatal to the Turvey club. The fimds had in- 
creased beyond the expectation of the members, wlio, in a time of 
great pressure, resolved to appropriate a portion of them to the re- 
lief of their necessities ; and they were with difficulty turned from 
their purpose, by his firmness and personal influence. This defect 
is remedied in a society formed at Emberton, on Mr. Riclimond's 
plan; one of the rules of which provides, that no proposition shall 
pass into a law, without the concurrence of the president and ho- 
norary members. Mr. Richmond acknowledged the improvement 
upon his principle, observing, with his usual frankness, "our good 
friend at Emberton lias secured by law, what I have effected by 
personal influence." 

It is very desirable that the rules of these societies should, after 
a time, be enrolled according to act of parliament ; by which 
they become legal corporations, and the evil attending the removal 
of such men as Mr. Richmond is provided for, as far, at least, as it 
can be done, by bringing these societies under the sanction and 
protection of the law, and thus enabling the better-informed of the 



REV. LEGH RICHMOND. 73 

poor themselves, to insure the proper appHcation of their funds, 
and control the sudden impulse of popular feeling. 

Mr. Richmond's club, like other similar institutions, kept its an- 
niversary ; but in a different way, -and with different effects. These 
feasts are usually held at the public house, and lead to much dis- 
order. The feast of Turvey was not a revel of riot and drunken- 
ness ; but a generous hospitality, consistent with Christian princi- 
ple. Mr. Richmond invited, on these occasions, a number of his 
clerical brethren, and other respectable ladies and gentlemen in the 
neighbourhood, who usually assembled at Turvey, to the numbei 
of thirty or forty persons, and with a large concourse of the vil- 
lagers, accompanied the society to the church. The subjoined 
letter gives a pleasing account of the proceedings of the day. 

" My dear Friend, 

" You wish me to give you some account of the anniversary 
of Mr. Richmond's Friendly Societies. This I shall do with plea- 
sure, having attended several of them. 

" He generally kept the anniversary in Whitsun-week. You al- 
ready know that Mr. R. has three Friendly Societies ; one for men, 
a second for women, and a third for young persons. Hence it fre- 
quently happens that the father is a member of the one, the mother 
of another, and the children of the third. Each club consists of 
the higher and middle classes of parishioners, as well as of the 
poor. The former contribute, but do not share in the benefit, while 
the latter are thus more liberally assisted. 

" On the anniversary, all these clubs Vv^alk in procession to church 
and hear a sermon, after which they dine together in the school- 
room. As this is an important scene of action, you must indulge 
me with a moment of your time, while I shew you its interior. 
Imagine to yourself a fine, large, airy room, with a lofty ceiling 
following the form of the roof of the building ; the floor even, and 
the walls, as well as the top, beautifull}^ white. Every part of the 
room is ornamented with the staves of the different members, paint- 
ed blue, and disposed upon the walls, somewhat like the swords 
and halberts in an armoury. These are surm.ounted with bouquets 
and festoons of flowers, in rich profusion ; for which the ' squire's' 
gardens and shrubberies are laid under such heavy contributions, 
that it needs almost a year to replenisli them. Think of the variety 
of flowers and shrubs that a village like Turvey would produce at 
Whitsuntide, and you may conclude that the choicest of tliem 
are to be found most tastefullv arranged throughout the room. One 



T4 MEMOIRS OF THE 

garland is suspended from llie centre, which is carried before the 
chibs to the church, instead of any colours. In tlie centre of this 
garland, which is in the form of a sphere, there is a triangle, em- 
blematic of the three clubs united in one ; and in the centre of the 
top of the room hangs tlu^ triangle of Unity, which I shall have 
occasion to notice by-and-by. Four tables are placed round the 
room, so as to form one. That at the top for the honorary mem- 
bers, the clergy, and gentry; on the riglit are placed the men, on 
the left the women, and at the lower table the children. I have 
been thus minute, because the order, as well as the elegance, dis- 
played on the occasion, contribute much to the good effect of the 
whole. At eleven o'clock the 'squires of Turvey, Mr. and Mrs. Rich- 
mond, with their friends, and some of the neighbouring clergy, as- 
semble to meet the club, near the school-room. A long train of mem- 
bers of the different clubs proceed in order to the church, headed by 
the rector ; the benefit members all carrying blue staves. The same 
order is observed on returning from church to the school-room. A 
visitor generally preaches the sermon. 

*^ We were disbanded at the school-room, and allowed an hour 
to ramble about ; after which we were summoned to dinner by a 
bell. The members had taken their places when we entered the 
room. We were disposed at tlie chief table, and, on a signal given, 
all rose up, and Mr. Richmond said the grace. The covers were 
removed, and we enjoyed a very nice dinner, vario sermone. 
After dinner, the following grace was sung by the whole company, 
standing: — 

' We thank thee, Ix>rd, for tliis our food, 

But most of all for Jesus' blood ; 

I.el manna to our souls be given, 

The bread of life sent down from heaven.' 

"At this part of the day, as many of the villagers as can ap- 
proach the doors and windows are allowed to gratify their curiosity 
by observing the proceedings. After a glass of wine at our tables, 
and the simpler beverage of nut-brown ale at the tables on our 
right and left, the steward for the day proposed a vote of thanks to 
Mr. and Mrs. Richmond, for their attention to the interests of the 
club. Upon which, Mr. Richmond rose and addressed them at 
some length on the principles of these societies, and he had recourse 
to the triangle before-mentioned, on whose sides were written, 
* Faith, Hope, Charity ;' and on cross-bars, 'Mutual Support, Unity, 
Patience,' &c. He commented on these with his usual simplicity 
and piety, reverting to the early history of the institution, and nrjr- 



REV. LEGH RICHMOND. 75 

mg the necessity of keeping those principles steadily in view, both 
in regard to their conduct in the management of the society, and 
towards each other. He dwelt also on the subject of the perpetuity 
of clubs, and the necessity of taking the calculation of human life 
from more recent tables than those from which it had hitherto been 
made; experience having proved that human life is generally lon- 
ger than had been supposed. I need not say he made himself un- 
derstood ; but I may add, that he gave to the whole discussion such 
an air of interest, that all were delighted, as well as edified, 

" A few minutes after Mr. Richmond had resumed his seat, the 
steward proposed the thanks of the societies to the honorary mem- 
bers, for their countenance and support. When this had passed, 
Mr. Grimshawe arose on the part of the honorary members. His 
address contained a strong appeal to their moral principles, and 
was heard with much interest. After a short interval, the Hon- 
ourable Lyttleton Powys made a very impressive address. His 
remarks produced a more than ordinary effect upon the whole as- 
sembly. He held in his hand a narrative of a waterman, who had 
plied upon the river Thames, and by his honest industry had 
been able not only to educate several of his relatives, and settle 
them in the world, but also to leave considerable pecuniary legacies 
to some public religious societies. This book he presented to Mrs. 
Richmond, with a request that she would lend it to the members 
of the club, to teach them the blessings of patient industry, with 
the fear of God. He pointed out to them, in the waterman's cha- 
racter, his conscientious observance of the Sabbath, in his steady 
refusal to ply on the rivei on that day. 

" What I said, I must leave you to conjecture. The happy 
countenances around me — the beautiful efifect of the pendant flow- 
ers, and the sweet union of ' young men and maidens, old men 
and children,' filled my mind with so many pleasing ideas, that I 
assure you I could not continue silent, nor refrain from contrasting 
the scenes of wretchedness I had witnessed in the manufacturing 
districts of the north, with the comfort and tranquillity of Turvey. 

" I have mentioned to you that I was present at several of these 
anniversaries, and I could not help observing that they were so 
managed, as never to present an uninteresting sameness. Some 
new incident furnished a pleasing variety. On one occasion, the 
senior chaplain of St. Helena was present. With a view to inspire 
contentment amongst the poor, he drew a lively contrast between 
their comforts and his own privations in that island. He told them, 
that in consequence of the failure of the regular suppHes of provi- 



76 MEMOIRS OF THE 

sions, they were frequently reduced to the necessity of eating salt- 
ed beef, as black and hard as the piece of mahogany which he held 
in his hand. After describing Buonaparte's residence at Long- 
wood, he produced a lock of his hair, which was handed round the 
tables, and of course examined with eager curiosity. 

" Without entering into further detail, I would make this gene- 
ral remark— that so much cheerful sobriety, decorum, and good 
feeling, were every where visible, as to afford a lively illustration 
of St. Paul's precept — ' using this world as not abusing it.' 

" At the close of the meeting, Mr. Richmond requested a part of 
the company to drink tea with him at his own house. His con- 
versation was carried on in the same improving strain, and wa^ 
calculated to engage the attention of the younger clergy of hi- 
neighbourhood, whom he frequently invited on these occasions. 

'' In closing my letter, one subject of mournful reflection forces 
itself upon my mind. These scenes are passed away ! our dear 
friend is indeed gone to a more beauteous abode — a pleasant para- 
dise above; but tlie vineyard he has left, may, I fear, in some fu- 
ture day, be overgrown with weeds, and the anniversary of Turvey 
cease to present the same happy fruits to win our admiration, to 
console and improve our hearts. Yet many of the members of the 
Friendly Societies at Turvey are members of Christ. These will 
follow their beloved pastor, their father, and their friend, to that 
blessed society, whose members are ' no more sick.' 

" That you and I may be numbered with them, is the sincere 
wish of your faithful friend, 

Amos Westoby." 

The good effects of these societies were universally felt. The 
poor learned to enjoy hospitality witliout excess. An occasional 
intercourse between rich and poor, called forth affections and emo- 
tions of sympathy and kindness in the one, of respect and gratitude 
in the other. Instead of the usual scenes at such meetings, a 
cheerfulness and decorum without constraint prevailed, and a re- 
spect for religion gave a sacred cliaracter to the whole. It is re- 
markable, that for twenty anniversaries, though an instance or two 
might be selected, of persons retiring from the meeting to a pub- 
lic-house, not a single instance of intemperance occurred at the 
school-room. Another good effect of these societies, was strikingly 
Ijcemplified in tlie improvement of the female character. A la- 
mentable departure from propriety, previous to marriage, was 



REV. LEGH RICHMOND. 77 

general, before the establishment of these societies; afterwards, 
however, it was a rare occurrence. 

As might be expected, his exertions on the week day contributed, 
in no small degree, to give effect to Mr. Richmond's ministry, and 
to attach the people to it. The church was numerously attended ; 
the Sabbath became a hallowed day, and its approach Avas antici- 
pated with hvely expectation. Tlie Gospel was preached with 
fidehty, and heard with deep and solemn interest. Many were 
awakened from a state of insensibility and thoughtlessness, to a 
just estimation of the truth which they heard from their beloved 
pastor. Instances were not unfrequent of sound and solid conver- 
sion ; and even those who received little spiritual benefit, learned to 
treat rehgion with respect, and began to exhibit a decency of de- 
portment. Vice did not lift up the head with its wonted effrontery, 
nor was sin committed with the same fearless unconcern, and dis- 
regard to its consequences. 

Another circumstance in the ministry of Mr. Richmond deserves 
the particular attention of the reader, we mean the examination of 
candidates for the communion. It has often been objected to the 
Church of England, that her ministers admit to the Lord's Supper 
indiscriminately, and without due regard to the principles and 
character of the communicants. The charge cannot apply to a 
consistent minister of the Established Church. He is empowered, 
nay required, by the instructions of that church, to put in force 
her discipline; — to examine, to reject, or admit at his own discre- 
tion ; subject, indeed, as it ought to be, to the approval of his 
superior.* 

Mr. Richmond, as a faithful son of the church, and a no less 
faithful minister of the Gospel, endeavoured to carry into effect 
the requirements of the Rubric, and the directions of the Holy 
Scriptures : 1 Cor. v. 7. and xi. 28. The person proposing him- 
self for the communion was examined, and a year of probation 
was recommended to him, for the trial of his sincerity, and the 
manifestation of it by a consistent and virtuous conversation. 

* It has been supposed that a clergyman exposes himself to a civil action 
for defamation, by refusing the sacrament to the most proflig-ate offender. 
This is a mistake. He must, indeed, render his rcn.sons for rejection to the 
bishop, through the churchwardens ; but he is not liable to a civil action, ex- 
cept he 'publicly assigns his reasons for refusal. He ought to pass by the re- 
jected person, at the time of the sacrament, or warn him in private. The 
decision of the clergyman may, indeed, be reversed by his ecclesiastical su- 
perior ; but he docs not expose himself to any process in a civil court. 



78 MEMOIRS OF THE 

Perhaps tliere were few communions wliicli exhibited a more sa- 
tisfactory piety ; and the attendants at the sacrament were, for the 
most part, the fruits of his own ministry, and the dearest objects 
of his heart : he was regarded by them as a father ; they consulted 
him on all occasions, and received advice and sympathy in all 
their affairs, both temporal and spiritual. At once respected and 
beloved by '' the children which God had given him," he, in return, 
watched over them with anxiety, prayed for them with earnest- 
ness, instructed them with diligence, ruled them with mildness, 
and regarded them with the alTcclion of an apostle : '* for now^ we 
live, if ye stand fast in tiie Lord." — 1 7'hess. iii. 8. 

While Mr. Richmond was thus fulfilling the duties of an active 
and laborious parish priest, he commenced a work, which justly 
entitles him to the gratitude of present and succeeding genera- 
tions. We allude to the ' Fathers of the Enfjlish Church,' a publi- 
cation containing copious and impartial selections from the writings 
of our Reformers, and comprising a valuable mass of theological 
knowledge, illustrative of the doctrines of the Reformation. 
Notliing of the kind had ever been attempted, and, perhaps, few 
modern divines possessed the reciuisite means of information. 

Tlie circumstance to which Mr. Richmond was indebted for his 
superiority in this respect, is singular, and deserves insertion. 
While he resided in the Isle of Wight, and shortly after his perusal 
of Wilberforce's ' Practical View,' which had effected so striking 
a change in his own sentiments and character, a grocer at New- 
port sent him some trifling article wrapped up in a leaf of Bishop 
JewelFs Apology. His attention was directed to the wrapper by 
one of his family, wiio jocosely remarked, " this looks as if it would 
suit you, Legh." He read the leaf, and instantly set off for New- 
port, to inquire after the remaining pages. The grocer, smiling 
at the anxiety of his clerical customer, replied, " O yes, Sir, here 
they are, and I have a whole hogshead of these worthies ; they 
are much at your service, for two pence a pound." The treasure 
was speedily and joyfully secured ; and to this incident, trivial as 
it may appear, Mr. Richmond owed his extensive and profound 
acquaintance with the authors of the Reformation. 

It is, indeed, a humiliating consideration, that works like these 
should lose the veneration of posterity, and be treated with the 
contempt due only to the meanest productions of the day. It was 
an honour reserved for Mr. Richmond, to draw from obscurity the 
writings of those eminent men, who had shaken empires by their 
discussions, overthrown systems which cjnturies had struggled to 



REV. LEGH RICHMOx>JD. 79 

uphold, and, sealing their testimony with their blood, bequeathed a 
sacred legacy of pure doctrine to the Protestant church. 

At the urgent and repeated entreaties of several clerical friends, 
Mr. Richmond was induced to engage in this important under- 
taking. A prospectus of his plan was laid before the public in the 
year 1806 ; and shortly after, he commenced the publication of the 
work in numbers, and ultimately completed it in eight volumes. 
It is impossible to contemplate the execution of so laborious a task? 
and not to avSsign to the Editor the praise of unwearied diligence, 
discriminating judgment, and acknowledged impartiality. The 
substance of the writings of Tindal, Ridley, Latimer, Cranmer, 
Hooper, Bradford, Jewel, and others, was thus rendered accessi- 
ble to the theological student, at a time when the spirit of contro- 
versy was gone forth, and when a standard of unquestionable au- 
thority, and free from the bias of modern prejudices, became a de- 
sideratum of the very first importance. Since the above period, a 
considerable change of sentiment has taken place among us ; and 
we have no hesitation in ascribing much of that perceptible return 
to the doctrines of the reformation, which characterizes the present 
state of our church, to the influence of this publication. It has 
been repeatedly referred to, and largely quoted, on the various 
subjects which have since come under discussion ; and if sound 
doctrine be to the soul, what nutritious food is to the body, and 
the stream be purest as we approach nearest to its source, it is to 
the perusal of the writings of the Reformers, and their immediate 
successors, next to that of the Bible, that we are to look, under the 
divine blessing, for the revival of national piety and true re- 
ligion.* 

From this brief mention of the ' Fathers of the English Church,' 
we are naturally led to the consideration of the doctrinal views 
and sentiments of Mr. Richmond, which furnished the leading 
topics of his ministry. 

He has often been heard to declare, "that two great subjects per- 
vaded the Bible; — Sirij and Salvation from sin; and that these 
ought to form the basis of the Christian ministry." 

In his addresses from the pulpit, he never failed to point out, 
distinctly and forcibly, maii^s ruin by the fall : — his condernna- 
tion under the law^ and his moral inability to deliver himself 

♦ * The Fathers of the Eng-lish Church' are now no long-er to be obtained in 
complete sets ; but some of the separate volumes, which are distinct, and 
wholly independent in their contents, may be purchased, by application to the 
publishers, Messrs. Hatchard, Piccadilly, and Seelcy, Fleet Street, London. 



80 MEMOIRS OF THE 

by any power or strength of his own : — The divinity and in- 
carnation of the Son of God: — Free and full justification, 
through faith in the atoning blood and righteousness of the 
Jiedcemer : — the nature of justifying faith, its fruits and evi- 
dences : — the agency of the Holy Spirit, in the regeneration and 
sanctification of believers: — and the necessity of a renewed 
heart, and of holiness in the life, not as the title to hcaveii, but 
as a meet ness for its enjoyment. These are fundamental doc- 
trines, in which all true Christians, without di^itinction of sect or 
party, cordially unite. Tlioy have been the food of the church of 
God in all ages— the manna which h;\s sustained her children in 
the many and diversified scenes of human trial and infirmity ; — 
they have been the song of their pilgrimage — their joy in tribula- 
tion — their light in darkness, and their guide to life and immor- 
tality. 

In addition to the above-mentioned doctrines, Mr. Richmond 
adopted the views wliicli are commonly called Calvinistic ; but not 
in that offensive sense in which they are frequently, though most 
erroneously, imputed. It is not the intention of the editor to en- 
ter here on the Calvinistic controversy ; this is neither the time 
nor the place for such a discussion. He may offer a still better 
reason for his silence — the conviction which he has long entertained, 
tliat the real question at issue, and theon^^i which the interests of 
true religion are most concerned, is not, whether the Articles of 
our church, and the senti>ments of the Reformers, be more or less 
Calvinistic ; but whether we spiritually understand, and cordially 
embrace, those fund ajjicntal principles, the belief of which is indis- 
pensable to salvation, and to the well-being of every Christian 
community. 

These principles are stated with admirable precision, and strict 
adherence both to the letter and spirit of the Scriptures, in the 9th, 
10th, 11th, 12th, and 13th Articles of the Church of England, and 
must ever entitle her to rank among the purest of the reformed 
churches. Satisfied with the principles there laid down, we may 
safely allow a latitude of interpretation on points which, though 
deemed important by some, are not maintained by any to be es- 
sential to salvation. 

The following analysis of Mr. Richmond's mode of preaching, 
is submitted to the candid consideration of those persons, wholiave 
fostered prejudices founded on error and misrepresentation ; — pre- 
judicef not wholly unaccompanied by a very culpable ignorance, 
and whicli charity and truth must alike lament and condemn. 



REV. LEGH RICHMOND. 81 

As a preacher, he was scriptural — experiinenfal — practical — 
comprehensive — powerful in his appeals to the conscience and 
addresses to the heart— fiill of pathos and interest, 

1. He was scriptural. A rich vein of divine truth was diffused 
through his sermons. The Law and the Gospel were clearly and 
distinctly exhibited in all their characteristic features, and enforced 
to their respective ends. No doctrine was asserted which was not 
proved and established by a constant appeal to the authority of 
Scripture, with the contents of which he was familiarly acquainted. 
We would here remark, that no man can become a sound and en- 
lightened divine, who does not give his days and nights to the 
study of the Oracles of God, accompanied by prayer and medita- 
tion. The connexion of solid piety with an intimate knowledge 
of the Scriptures is indissoluble. This forms, indeed, the manual 
of every Christian, but belongs in a more especial degree to the 
minister of the sanctuary. It is the armoury whence he must 
draw all his weapotis ; — it is the treasury whence he is to be sup- 
plied with every motive and every argument, v/hich, through the 
grace and power of the Holy Spirit, can fix conviction on the mind, 
rouse the torpid conscience, excite the affections of the heart, and 
elevate the soul to God. It is the sceptre of righteousness, by 
which he rules and guides the flock ; the depository of every pro- 
mise that can cheer their passage through the valley of the shadow 
of death ; and by it they are taught the new song, which will ani- 
mate their praises in the land of their inheritance — " Worthy is 
the Lamb that was slain, to receive power, and riches, and wisdom, 
and strength, and honour, and glory, and blessing, for ever and 
ever. Amen." 

2. He was experimental. Divine truth, from his hps, was not 
a cold, speculative statement ; but was so interwoven with all the 
inward experiences of the human heart, as peculiarly to promote 
the edification of his hearers. He could appropriate the language 
of the Apostle, and say, " that which we have heard, which we 
have seen with our eyes, which we have looked upon, and our 
hands have handled, of the word of life, declare we unto you." 
From the heart he preached to the heart, and seemed to enter in- 
to all its secret recesses. He detected the illusions by which it is 
beguiled— he traced human action to its hidden springs— he ac- 
companied the soul in tlie alternations of doubt and hope, of fear 
and joy, in its conflicts witli despair and unbdief; till, led to the 
foot of the cross, it was able to repose on the promises of God, and 
realize the sweet enjoyment of i^jird'.^n and peiu'i-. 



82 MEMOIRS OF THE 

3. lie was practical. Some preachers are too exclusively doc- 
trinal. Others are no less exclusively practical. Mr. Richmond 
avoided both extremes. He preached doctrine practically, and 
l)ractice doctrinally. Both were in their du(; proportion : in their 
mutual dependence, connexion and use. He connected precept 
with promise, and privilege with duty. As a spiritual workman, 
he considered doctrine to be the foundation, and practice the su- 
perstructure to be erected uj)on it ; adopting the sentiment of one 
of his favourite Reformers — " truly it is said, * without holiness no 
man shall see the Lord ;' but this I know, without the Lord, no 
man shall see holiness." Thus the doctrine, and its tendency ; the 
operation of the Spirit, and its gracious fruits; genuine faith, and 
its necessary consequences ; holiness, and the means of attaining 
it ; Christ the Saviuur, and Christ the Example ; the insufficien- 
cy of works as a procuring cause of salvation, and their indispen- 
sable necessity, not only as evidences, but as glorifying God ; — 
these great and important truths were enforced with the fidelity of 
a Christian pastor, and with the wisdomof ascribe well-instructed 
in tlie kingdom of heaven. 

4. He was comprehensive. Christianity, in his mode of exhibit- 
ing it, was a grand and comprehensive whole ; while the symme 
try of the several parts was faithfully preserved. He did not give 
to one part of divine truth any undue preponderance over another 
Each truth seemed to be in its right place, and in its just measure 
and proportion. All the doctrines, and all tlie precepts — all the pro- 
mises, and all the cliaracters to whom they are made — all the pri- 
vileges, and all the duties, were, in turn, the theme of his discour- 
ses. It is this beautiful order, and harmonious combination of all 
its various relations, that constitutes one of the characteristic fea- 
tures of a Revelation from above. And to present it under this 
form is that rare talent which all should endeavour to attain ; and 
when attained, it forms, so far as human instrumentality is con- 
cerned, the grand desideratum of ministerial preaching. 

The well-informed reader will easily discern the old divine in 
this mode of proceeding. The highest Calvinist, in former days, 
took in the whole range of Christian faith and practice. Usher, 
and others of the supralapsarian school, were as miimte and par- 
ticular in explaining and enforcing the law, in all its ramifications, 
as they were full and glowing in setting forth the grace of the Gos- 
pel ; and insisted as strenuously on the necessity and importance 
of good works, as the lowest Arminian. 

5. He was impressive in his appeals to the heart and con- 



REV. LEGH RICMHOND. 89 

science. No man better understood that part of a discourse which 
consists of the application. Some preachers are very deficient in 
this respect ; either wholly omitting to apply their subject, or for the 
most part failing in discrimination. A discourse, to be profitable, 
must come home to our own case. 

Mr. Richmond, in appealing to his hearers, was faithful, search- 
ing, forcible, and impressive. " He reproved, rebuked, exhorted, 
with all long-suffering and doctrine ;" but his exhortations were 
accompanied by the most affecting displays of the mercy, power, 
and grace of God, in the gospel ; and while his own experience 
of the truths he uttered, gave an authority and efficacy to his words, 
God put his seal to the testimony, and crowned his labours with 
success. .:. 

In presenting this delineation of Mr. Richmond's mode of preach- 
ing, the editor feels there would yet be something wanting to give 
its complete character, if it were not stated more specifically, that 
the Saviour, in his various offices of Prophet, Priest, and King, was 
the grand theme of Mr. Richmond's ministrations. His excellence, 
like that of a skilful painter, consisted in so arranging all the subor- 
dinate parts of his picture, as to give due prominence and effect to 
the principal figure. Christ Jesus teas the soid of all his discourses ; 
and every precept, every promise, derived its force and vaJue from 
its bearing and relation to Him. 

A style of preaching like this, must be allowed to be singularly 
useful, combining all that is important and requisite in a Christian 
preacher. His ministry possessed two peculiar excellencies ; — it 
was too practical to make an Antinomian, and too doctrinal to make 
the mere moralist. Antinomianism may indeed exist, notwith- 
standing the utmost precaution of the preacher ; and a dependence 
on our own works is interwoven with the very frame of our cor- 
rupt nature ; but a minister is only then culpable, when his mode 
of preaching has a direct tendency to produce either the one or 
the other. No man was ever more free from both these de- 
fects, as a preacher, nor any congregation more exempt than his 
own, from these pernicious errors. In that important branch of 
Christian theology, relating to faith and works, where some preach- 
ers are most confused, he was most clear atid scriptural. He laid 
the foundation in Christ alone, and in faith in his name ; — a faith 
which was represented to be the gift of God, and the work of his 
Spirit ; living, energetic, fruitful, and holy •,— not the cause but the 
instrument of salvation; and he taught, that good works were 
themselves the subjects of promise (Micah vii. 19.) ; the neces- 



84 MEMOIRS OF THE 

sary fruits and evidencrs of faith, but not the moritorious condi- 
tions, in whole, or in part, of the divine favour. It may be tliought 
that where the necessity of faith and good works is equally ad- 
mitted, distinctions of this kind need not be pressed with so much 
earnestness; but it will be found, that the right understanding of 
these distinctions involves the most important conseijuenccs. It 
is not a matter of small moment, whether we put cause for effect, 
or attribute to our own imperfect services, that salvation which is 
the result of God's free grace in Christ Jesus. So far as our own 
doings enter into the meritorious grounds of our acceptance, they 
destroy the character of the gospel as a dispensation of gratuitous 
mercy. "If by grace, then is it no more of works; oiherAvise 
grace is no more grace. But if it be of works, then it isfio more 
grace; otherwise work is no more w^ork." — Rovi. xi. 6. It has 
been said, that the poor, who constitute the larger part of a con- 
gregation, are unable to comprehend these theological subtleties, 
which ought not, therefore, to form a part of ministerial instruc- 
tion. We cannot better meet this objection, than by a reference 
to the sentiments of Bishop Horsley : — " Pray earnestly to God to 
assist the ministration of the word, by the secret influence of his 
Holy Spirit on the minds of your hearers; and, nothing doubting 
that your prayers are heard, however wean and illiterate the 
congregation may be in which you exercise your sacred functions, 
fear not to set before them the whole counsel of God. Open the 
whole of your message without reservation ; that every one of you 
may have confidence to say, when he shall be called upon to give 
an account of his stewardship, ' Lord, I have not hid thy righteous- 
ness within my heart ; I have not concealed thy loving-kindness 
and truth from the great congregation.' "* We will merely add to 
this testimony, that the doctrines of grace are often better under- 
stood by the poor and illiterate, than by the rich and the wise. " I 
thank thee, O Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because thou hast 
hid these things from the wise and prudent, and hast revealed them 
unto babes." — Matt. xi. 25. The cro:*^s of Christ which is declared 
to be, " to the Jews a stumblirwg-block, and to the Greeks foolish- 
ness," is, to them that believe, " the power of God, and the wisdom 
of God." — 1 Cor. i. 24. The reception of divine truth demands 
not human learninjr, but poverty and humiliation of spirit. The 
learned are required to Ixx'ome as fools, and to enter the kingdom 
of heaven as little children. While to learning is reserved the 
lionour of defending the outworks of religion, it is the happy 
• See ChzLTgea of Biflhop Horslej, p. 16. 



REV. LEGH RICHMOxND. 85 

privilege of none but the meek and lowly, whether learned or 
unlearned, wise or ignorant, rich or poor, to enter in and be 
saved. 

After these extended remarks on Mr. Richmond's mode of 
preaching, which the importance of the subject seems to justify, 
we may now be permitted to ask, how we are to account for that 
prevalent disposition to represent ministers of Mr. Richmond's 
sentiments as preaching nothing but exterminating decrees, pre- 
destination, election, and reprobation ; and as being incessantly 
occupied in proclaiming doctrines without practice, a God without 
love, and a faith without morality ? Surely it is time to awake 
from this illusion, which first creates a phantom, then combats it, 
and afterwards gains an imaginary triumph over a no less imagina- 
ry opponent. Men should not be charged with consequences 
which they disavow ; much less be accused, at one moment, of re- 
laxing all the obligations of moral virtue, and at the next, of enfor- 
cing them beyond the bounds of reasonable strictness. If, by the 
language above alluded to, it is meant to attach the charge of high 
Calvinism to that portion of the clergy who are here intended to 
be specified, then we must reply, that high Calvinism is unques- 
tionably not the prevailing creed of those to whom the term is 
often so indiscriminately and ignorantly applied. Many are known 
to disclaim the title of Calvinist altogether. Few, very few, are 
disposed to climb its Alpine heights ; and the general persuasion 
seems to be, that in the construction of the doctrinal articles of our 
church, there is a sufficient approximation of sentiment to prove a 
resemblance to the views of Calvin, and yet a sufficient distinction 
to show that there is not an identity. Party names of any kind 
are highly objectionable and offensive in a cause so sacred as that 
of religion, because they seem to give to erring man the honour 
and pre-eminence that belongs to God alone. " Be not ye called 
Rabbi, for one is your Master, even Christ, and all ye are brethren : 
Call no man your father upon the earth, for one is your Father 
which is in heaven : Neither be ye called masters, for one is your 
Master, even Christ." • 

But if a term be employed to designate the religious creed of the 
clergy in question, that of modified Calvinism is, perhaps, the 
most appropriate. They conceive the Reformers, in the composi- 
tion of the Articles, to have discovered that happy medium of doc- 
trine which is free from objectionable extremes, which gives to 
grace its freeness, and to man the responsibility belonging to a 
moral agent ; and while it ascribes to God all the glory of salvation, 

8 



86 MEMOIRS OF THE 

charges the sinner with all the guilt of his own condemnation. 
The sentiments of that distinguished Prelate whom we have already 
quotrd, are, on this subject <dso, entitled to notice. "It has been 
the fashion,'' he remarks, "of late, to talk of Arminianism as the 
system of the Churcli of England, and of (Calvinism as something 
opposite to it, to which the church is hostile. That I may not be 
misunderstood in what I have said, or may have occasion farther to 
say uj)()n tliis subject, I must here declare, that I use the words 
Arminianism and Calvinism in that restricted sense in which they 
are generally taken—to denote the doctrinal part of each system, 
as unconnected with the principles either of Arminians or Calvin- 
ists, upon church discipline and church government. This being 
premised, I assert, wiiat I have often before asserted, and by God's 
grace I will persist in tlie assertion to my dying day — that so far 
is it from the truth, that the Church of England is decidedly Ar- 
minian, and hostile to Calvinism— that the truth is this — that 
upon the principal points in dispute between the Arminians and 
the Calvinists — upon all the points of doctrine characteristic of 
the two sects, the Church of England maintains an absolute neu- 
trality; her Articles explicitly assert nothing but what is believed 
both by Arminians and Calvinists. The Calvinists, indeed, hold 
some opinions relative to the same points, which the Church of 
England has not gone the length of asserting in her articles ; but 
neither has she gone the length of explicitly contradicting those 
opinions : insomuch, that there is nothing to hinder the Arminian 
and the highest supralapsarian Calvinist from walking together in 
the Church of England and Ireland as friends and brothers, if they 
both approve the discipline of the church, and both are willing to 
submit to it. Her discipline has been approved — it has been sub- 
mitted to — it has been in former times most ably and zealously 
defended by the highest supralapsarian Calvinists. Such was the 
great Usher ; such was Whitgift ; such w ere many more ; — burn- 
ing and shining lights of our church in her early days, (when first 
she shook off the papal tyranny,) long since gone to the resting- 
place of the spirits of ihe just."* 

If, by the charge of holding " a faith without morality," it is 
intended to arraign the doctrine of justification by faith, are those 
who make this charge aware that they are impugning one of the 
Articles of their own church, which expressly a.sserts this doctrine ? 
— That it is illustrated at large, as we have already proved, in the 
book of Homilies ? — That it forms a characteristic ground of dis- 
• Chargea, p. 216— 218, 



REV. LEGH RICHMOND. 87 

tinction between the Protestant and Romish churches; and is 
one of the fundamental principles of Christianity itself? Once 
more let us appeal to the authority of Bishop Horsley : — " That 
man is justified by faith, without the works of the law, was the 
uniform doctrine of the first Reformers. It is a far more ancient 
doctrine — it was the doctrine of the whole college of apostles. It 
is more ancient still — it was the doctrine of the prophets. It is 
older than the prophets — it was the religion of the patriarchs.'"^ 

Nor can we omit the insertion of the following admonitory hint 
from the same quarter : — " Take special care," says that distin- 
guished, prelate, " before you aim your shafts at Calvinism, that 
you know what is Calvinism, and what is not ; that, in that mass 
of doctrine, which it is of late become the fashion to abuse, under 
the name of Calvinism, you can distinguish with certainty between 
that part of it which is nothing better than Calvinism ; and that 
which belongs to our common Christianity, and the general faith 
of the reformed churches ; lest, when you mean only to fall foul of 
Calvinism, you should unwarily attack something more sacred, 
and of higher origin."* 

After this almost involuntary allusion to polemical divinity, but 
which the nature of the subject, and the peculiar circumstances of 
our own church, seemed to render unavoidable, we cannot close 
this chapter without a few reflections. 

It may check the pride and asperity of religious controversy, to 
remember, that amidst the various attempts to unite mankind, at 
different periods, within the bounds of one common uniformity of 
opinion, whether under the name of Luther, Calvin, or Arminius, 
or under the various sub-divisions of the present day ; all have alike 
failed in the establishment of an universal standard. But it well 
deserves our notice, that, while each denomination claims a prefer- 
ence for its own peculiarities, God has given his blessing to all, 
wherever their aim has been holy, their efforts earnest, and the 
essential truths of Christianity have not been violated. 

Where, then, God withholds not his blessing, man must not 
withhold his charity; and though union cannot exist without the 
essentials of religion, which are — faith in Christ, and a conformity 
to his image, in a renewed heart and a holy life — yet, if these be 
secured, the union is not only practicable, but a necessary conse- 
quence; for, if we are members of Christ, we are members one of 
another. The more we imbibe the genuine spirit of Christianity, 
which is a spirit of love, the more shall we be divested of the 
♦ Charg-es, p. 33. ♦ Charg-es, p. 22(x 



88 MEMOIRS OF THE 

charklrs of party distinction ; and be convinced, that the rehgion 
which IS from above, is a rchfjion, not of names, bnt of principles; 
not of forms, but of reahties; not "the letter, which killeth, but 
the spirit which giveth life." " God is love; and he that dwelleth 
in love, dwelleth in God, and God in him."— 1 John iv. 16. "The 
spirit of Christianity is Christianity. If this be wanting, the 
glory is departed, and nothing remains worth contending for."* 



CHAPTER VIII. 

HiM talent for ertempore freachine: — Authority uud eTjitflienry of this mode considered-.-' 
Family letters — Commencement of the editor^ a acquaintance with him — Puhlic institu- 
tions — Vindication of their character^ necessity^ and usefulness. 

The prmciples on which INIr. Riclimond formed his ministry 
have been laid before the reader in the preceding chapter; in which 
were stated, both the scriptural nature of his doctrines, and the 
impressive manner of his delivery. He never failed to attract a 
crowded congregation, and seldom preached without the most de- 
cided proofs of a divine power accompanying his ministrations. 
He also possessed many natural endowments, which in no small 
degree contributed to his success. He was an eloquent speaker; 
but his eloquence was not laboured and artificial — it was. the sim- 
ple and glowing expression of a mind deeply impressed with the 
importance of his subject, full of affection, and intent on imparting 
the same feelings to those wlio lieard him. 

He used to refer his friends, who conversed with him on the sub- 
ject of preaching, to the advice of his college tutor: '• Don't use 
terms of science. The people have no abstract ideas — tliey cannot 
understand comparisons and allusions remote from all their habits. 
Take words of Saxon derivation, and not such as are derived from 
Latin and Greek. Talk of riches, not affluence — of trust, not con- 
fidence. Present the same idea in a varied form, and take care that 
you understand the subject yourself. If you be intelligent, you 
will be intelligible." 

Mr. Richmond's successful application of these useful rules is well 
known to all who had opportunity of hearing his sermons. Though 
never offensively colloquial, he was well understood by the most 
illiterate of his congregation; nor was he satisfied till he had ex- 
plained an idea in every possible variety and point of view. On 
this account he sometimes seemed, to persons unacquainted with 
his design, to employ a needless number of words. It was once 

• rccira Remains. 



REV. LEGH RICHMOND. 89 

pleasantly said, by one who heard him — '^ An excellent sermon, 
but with too many various readings." 

He was also singularly felicitous in imparting interest to what, in 
familiar phraseology, is called a dry subject. He was once known to 
preach an hour and three quarters,* on the incidental evidences of 
Christianity. On this occasion it was said, by a sensible man who 
heard him—" This is indeed a magnificent sermon ! I always 
thought Mr. Richmond a good man, but I now know him to be a 
great jiian." 

Mr. Richmond, as we have before noticed, possessed a fine 
taste, and an almost enthusiastic admiration of the beauties of na- 
ture. From these he often selected illustrations, and embellished 
his subject with allusions to them. He used to say, " There are 
three books to be studied — the book of creation, the book of pro- 
vidence, and the book of grace. They confirm and illustrate each 
other." 

These natural talents were consecrated to the service of religion, 
and gave an interest to his preaching, equalled by few, and excel- 
led by none. 

The editor would not be supposed, by these remarks, to lose 
sight of the influence of the Holy Spirit, without whom "nothing 
is strong, nothing is holy." He knows that " the Gospel is a migh- 
ty engine, but only mighty when God has the working of it."t 
Yet is it most evident, that God is pleased to make human agencj^, 
the natural endowments and temperaments, as well as the graces 
of his servants, subserve his purposes ; and in the selection of in- 
struments, there is always a peculiar fitness for the work in which 
he employs them. 

The effect of Mr. Richmond's ministry was also considerably 
heightened by the fluency of his addresses. He adopted a method 
of preaching usually called extempore ; without premeditation, as 
to the words of a sermon, but not to the exclusion of much previ- 
ous prayer, and labour in the arrangement of its materials. " It is 
a singular circumstance," observes a friend of his early life, "that 
his first attempt to preach extempore^ in the very small church of 

* This sermon was one of a course of lectures on the evidences of Christiani- 
ty, preached at Olncy, by the neig-hbouring- clergy. Mr. Riclimond took 
his plan from the " Horcc Paulince," and applied Dr. Paley's principle to eve-^ 
ry book of Holy Scripture, with great ingenuity and success. It is much to 
be regretted that nothing- remains of the sermon, except a few short heads of 
discourse, used by Mr. Richmond at the time of preaching*. 

t Adams's Private Thoughts. 

8* 



90 MEMOIRS OF THE 

Yavcrland, in the Isle of Wight, was a total failure. He was so 
ashamed of it, that he ilechired he would not repeat the attempt, anu 
it was oidy in conBcqueuce of the urtjt'iit solicitations of our common 
friend, the Rev. Charles Hoyle, that he was induced to make a se- 
cond trail, when he succeeded beyond his hopes, and never after- 
wards found any dilFicully." 

As a proof of the eminence to which he afterwards attained we 
venture to introduce another anecdote. 

The late Mr. Whitbread went to hear him preach at St Paul's, 
Bedford, in the year 1807, accompanied by a friend, who had ex- 
pressed an earnest wish to be present. The church was remarka- 
bly crowded — the preacher animated — and the interest of the con- 
gregation strongly excited. The gentleman above alluded to al 
lenifih observed: ''He has now preached with incredible fluency, 
both as to matter and language, for three quarters of an hour, and 
he does not seem even yet to be exhausted, or to be drawing to a 
close. " Exhausted !" replied Mr. Whitbread : " he can hold on, in 
the same way, if necessary for two or three hours longer." 

We avail ourselves of this occasion to otTer a few remarks on the 
subject o^ extempore preaching. 

This mode of address, which has considerably prevailed during 
the last twenty or thirty years, however acceptable to some, is 
known to excite strong prejudices in the minds of others. It is con- 
sidered as an irregular and unauthorized practice ; incapable of that 
well digested arrangement, which ought to characterize a discourse 
from the pulpit ; and as derogating from the dignity of the ministers 
of the Established Church. But this objection regards the execu- 
tion rather than the principle itself; and it is the legitimacy, suitable- 
ness, and efficiency of this practice, rightly and fully improved, 
w^hich forms the proper subject for consideration. Its legitimacy 
will most probably be thought by many to be the vulnerable part of 
the question ; while the absence of the practice amongst the consti- 
tuted guardians of our church, who are supposed to be the proper 
standards for our imitation, will no doubt be appealed to, as furnish- 
ing conclusive evidence against it. With regard to its authority, we 
insert the following mandate, addressed by King Charles II. to the 
university of Cambridge : — 

*' Vice Chancellor and Gentlemen, 

*' Whereas his Majesty is informed, that the practice of read- 
ing sermons is generally taken up by the preachers before the Uni- 
versity and therefore continues even before himself; hie Majesty 



REV. LEGH RICHMOND. 91 

hath commanded me to signify to you his pleasure, that the said 
practice, which took its beginning from the disorders of the late 
times, be wholly laid aside ; and that the said preachers deliver 
their sermons, both in Latin and English, by memory, without 
book ; as being a way of preaching which his Majesty judgeth 
most agreeable to the use of foreign churches — to the custom of 
the University heretofore—and to the nature of that holy exercise. 
And, that his Majesty's commands in these premises may be duly 
regarded and observed, his further pleasure is, that the names of all 
such ecclesiastical persons as shall continue the present supine and 
slothfid way of preaching^ be, from time to time, signified to me, by 
the Vice Chancellor for the time being, on pain of his Majesty's dis- 
pleasure.* 

Monmouth. 
" Oct. 8, 1674." 

This document, which bears the stamp of royal authority is suf- 
ficient to remove the charge of innovation : and so far from extem- 
pore preaching being, as is commonly supposed, the exception to 
the general rule, written sermons, on the contrary, are a departure 
from the original practice ; for prior to the time of Charles L, ex- 
tempore preaching was the usual mode of address from the pulpit, 
and the deviation from this custom is here expressly slated to be a 
declension from the zeal of former times, and to have had its source 
in supineness and sloth. A reference to Fox's Book of Martyrs 
plainly shows the practice of the Reformers. 

In the life of Bishop Latimer, we are told, that '' he spoke with 
great freedom ; and it not then being the custom for the clergy to 
write down their sermons, and read them, as they do now, to the 
people, what he spoke on a subject was full of sincerity, and flowed 
immediately and directly from the heart.f With respect to the 
usage of foreign churches, the writer can declare from personal 
observation, that neither in the Romish, Lutheran, or Reformed 
Churches; neither in France, the Netherlands, Switzerland, or 
Germany, does the practice of using written sermons generally 
prevail ; and it is a fact no less extraordinary than true, that Eng- 
land is the only country where it is known to he established. If 
again we argue as to the suitableness and efficiency of extempora- 
neous addresses, we might appeal to the powerful effect produced 
by them, both in the senate and at the bar. How could a Pitt, a 

* See Statute Book of the University of Cambridge, p. 301. Car. II, Rex. 

t See Latimer's Sermons, 2 vols. 8vo, 1758. 



ei MEMOIRS OF THE 

Fox, a Burke, and a Sheridan in the one, and an Erskine in the 
other, have rivalled the orators of Greece and Rome, if the energies 
of tlieir minds had been impeded by the restraints and forms of 
written compositions? And shall the divine and nobler cause of 
religion, which extends Xo the immortal destinies of men, be thought 
less worthy of the sublimest efforts of the mind, and the most m- 
tense application of its powers? Has not the preacher of righteous- 
ness materials of a more ample range, and a greater stimulus to 
vigorous exertion, tlian the advocate of a cause whicli affects only 
the interests of the present moment ? But it may be askf d, are all 
qualified to exercise this talent ? We answer, let men be raised 
to the grandeur of the subject, instead of the grandeur of the sub- 
ject being lowered to the level of the men — let means be adopted 
to give more of a moral elevation to the education, principles, 
habits, and lives of the clergy ; let doctrine be purified of its er- 
rors, and the ambassadors of Christ be more abstracted from the 
contagious mfiuence of secular occupations, and the deadening ef- 
fect of too much worldly intercourse — let the influences of divine 
grace be invoked to descend with their powerful energy on the 
heart, and we shall soon find that preaching, whether extempora- 
neous or otherwise, will answer all the purposes of its institution, 
and religion regain its empire over the soul of man. 

We now subjoin some important authorities to sanction this 
practice. 

We quote the following from the life of Bishop Bull, formerly 
the learned and pious bishop of St. David's : — 

" It was but seldom, and tliat upon some extraordinary occa- 
sions, that he composed his sermon entire, and committed it to 
writing ; which is the reason that he has left so few finished dis- 
courses behind him. His usual method was, after the choice of his 
text, to mark some words that were to be explained, in order to 
give the true sense of that portion of Scripture he had chosen to 
treat upon ; and then he writ down some o)3servations which flow- 
ed naturally from the subject; and, under each observation, hints 
to illustrate it, and texts of Scripture proper to be explained, in 
order to give light to it ; and then drew inferences from his whole 
discourse, by way of application. Thus he had only the scheme 
of his sermon before him in writinsr; and havincj in this manner 
secured the substance of it, he did, by custom and practice, bring 
himself to a great readiness and fluency in expressing himself upon 
all subjects; and if this manner of preaching wanted the exactness 
of more studied composures, it had the advantajre of that popular 



REV. LEGH RICHMOND. 93 

style which by good judges has been thought the fittest for the 
pulpit ; from whence, if men design to influence and persuade the 
generality of their hearers, they must condescend to use more words 
than are necessary in a strict sense ; the same thing must be re- 
peated often, and turned after a different manner, and inculcated 
with force, so that thresh and lasting impressions may be made upon 
the audience. What Mr. Bull deUvered of this kind, never wanted 
a becoming fervour ; and he enlivened his discourses with proper 
and decent gestures ; and his voice was always exerted with 
some vehemency, whereby he kept the audience awake, and raised 
their attention to what he delivered, and persuaded the people that 
he was in earnest, and affected himself with what he recommend- 
ed to others. By these means he laboured many years in teaching 
the ignorant, in confirming the weak, in quieting the scrupulous 
in softening the hard heart, in rousing the sinner, and in raising 
the pious soul to a steady and vigorous pursuit of eternal happi- 
ness. And whatever he delivered, his words were generally fixed 
in the minds of his hearers, as they parted from his own, full of 
warmth and heat."* 

The next authority is from Archbishop Seeker. 

" There is a middle way used by our predecessors, of setting 
down, in short notes, the method and principal heads, and enlarging 
on them in such words as present themselves at the time. Perhaps, 
duly managed, this would be the best." 

The example of Bishop Burnet may also be adduced ; and in his 
well-known work, entitled, ' The Pastoral Care,' many directions are 
given for attaining a proficiency in this pracitce, from which we quote 
the following for its excellency and importance. 

" But the rule I have reserved last, is the most necessary of all, 
and without it, all the rest will never do the business ; it is this, 
that a man must have in Imnself a deep sense of the truth and 
power of religion ; he must have a life and flame in his thoughts, 
with relation to those subjects; he must have felt in himself those 
things which he intends to explain and recommend to others. 
He must observe narrowly the motions of his own mind, the good 
and bad effects that the several sorts of objects he has before him, 
and affeciions he feels within him, have upon him ; that so he may 
have a lively heat in himself, when he speaks of them ; and that 
lie may speak in so sensible a manner, that it may be almost felt 
lliat he speaks from his heart. There is an authority in the sim- 

♦ Nclson'o Life of Dr. George Bull, Lord Bishop of St. David's, p. 59 



94 MEMOIRS OF THE 

plest tiling that can be said, when they carry visible characters o! 
genuineness in them. Now, if a man can carry on this method 
and by much meditation and prayer draw down divine influences, 
which are always to he expected when a man puis himself in the 
way of them, and prepares himself for them : he will often feel, 
that while he is musing, a fire is kindled within him, and then he 
will speak with authority and without constraint ; his tlioughta 
will be true, and his expressions free and easy ; sometimes this fire. 
will carry him, as it were, out of himself; and yet without any 
tliirjtr iIkU is frantic or enthusiastical. Discourses brought forth 
with a lively spirit and heat, where a composed gesture, and the 
proper motions of the eye and countenance, and the due modula- 
tions of the voice concur, will have all the etTect that can be expect- 
ed from any thing that is below immediate inspiration ; and as this 
will be of use to the hearers, so it will be of vast use to the preach- 
er himself, to oblige him to keep his heart always in good tune 
and temper ; not to suffer irregular or Ibrbidden appetites, pas- 
sions, or projects, to possess his mind : these will both divert him 
from going on in the course of meditation, in which a man must 
continue many years, till all his thoughts arc put in order, polish- 
ed, and fixed ; they will make him likewise speak much against the 
grain, with an aversion that will be very sensible to himself, if not 
to his hearers, if he has guilt upon him, if his conscience is reproach- 
ing him, and if any ill practices are putting a damp upon that good 
sense of things, that makes his thoughts sparkle upon other occa- 
sions, and gives him an air of authority, a tone of assurance, and a 
freedom of expression. 

*• Such a method as I have been opening, has had great success 
with all those that I have known to have tried it. And though 
every one has not swiftness of imagination, nor that clearness of 
expression that others may have, so that in this men may differ as 
nmch as they do in their written compositions ; yet every man by 
this method may rise far above that which he could ever have at- 
tained to any other iray.'"* 

We now leave this subject to the decision of the reader. Enough 
has been said to prove that the Church of England, in her best 
days — in those of the Reformation — and downwards to the time 
of Charles I., adopted extempore preaching ; and that the use of 
written sermons is coeval with the period marked by the first symp- 
toms of a declension both in zeal and doctrine ; we are therefore 

• Paftoral Carr. p. 23'2, and following pages. 



REV. LEGH RICHMOND. 95 

justified in expecting that a revival of pure religion will be accompa- 
nied by a return to this practice, as most suited to produce a powerful 
eflect, and most in unison with the example of Protestant Europe. 
To those of the clergy who may feel inclined to make the attempt, 
we particularly recommend Burnet's remark, who advises them to 
make smaller excursions^ before they indulge in a wider range. 
Perhaps in few cases would it be expedient for a young man to 
commence his ministry with extempore preaching, which requires 
much previous knowledge of divine truth, inward experience of 
its power, enlarged views, and facility to express them. Time 
and experience are necessary to form and mature a talent of this 
kind, as well as to provide suitable materials for its profitable ex- 
ercise. A preacher will soon exhaust his resources, without 
constant influx of new supplies ; and repetition, feebleness, and 
barrenness of thought, will take the place of that varied and pow- 
erful exhibition of divine truth, so essential to the success of the 
ministry. Notwithstanding our preference for extempore preach 
ing, we are not insensible to the defects to which it is liable, 
There is a danger of neglecting due preparation, of substituting 
fluency of language for solidity of thought. If there is a defi- 
ciency of taste in the preacher, he may degenerate into a style too 
colloquial, and his ideas and images may be unsuitable to the dig- 
nity of the pulpit. 

The old divines are no less worthy of imitation for the diligence 
they used in preparing their discourses, than for the soundness of 
the doctrines they taught. They placed no sacrifice on the altar 
without invoking fire from heaven to descend and consume it 
They thought, they prayed, they w^ere mighty in the Scriptures , 
and it was a well-known saying among them, " Give not unto God 
that which costs you nothing." 

" He that intends truly to preach the Gospel," says Bishop Bur- 
net, "and not himself; he that is more concerned to do good to 
others than to raise his own fame, or to procure a following after 
himself; and that make this the measure of all his meditations and 
sermons, that he may put things in the best light, and recommend 
them with the most advantage to his people ; that reads the Scrip- 
tures much, and meditates often upon them ; that prays earnestly 
to God for direction in his labours, and for a blessing upon them ; 
that directs his chief endeavours to the most important, and most 
indispensable, as well as the most undeniable duties of religion ; 
and chiefly, to the inward reformation of his hearers' hearts, which 
will certainly draw all other lesser matters after it ; and that does 



96 MEMOIRS OF THE 

not spend his time, nor his zeal, upon lesser or disputable points; 
this man, so male and so mouKled, cannot miscarry in his work. 
He will certainly succeed to some degree : the word spoken by 
him, shall not return again. He shall iiave ids crown, and hia 
reward from his labours. And to say all that can be said, in one 
word, with St. Paul, ' he shall both save himself^ and them that hear 
him r "♦ 

We now dose our remarks on extempore preaching. But before 
we proceed with the narrative, we shall lay before the reader a few 
letters written about this time by Mr. Richmond, to his aunt and 
mother. They are not, indeed, connected with any previous or sub- 
sequent remarks of our own ; but are here introduced to preserve 
t)ie chronology of the memoir. They are pleasing proofs of Mr. 
Richmond's atfectionate attention to the claims of his own family, 
amidst the incessant demands of public duties. 

Turvey, January 10, 1808. 

''My dear Aunt, 

'' Affection for one so long known and loved must indeed be 
asleep, if I diil not hasten to express my tenderest concern on your 
account. My olBce and station calls me daily, in one place or ano- 
ther, to pour the balm of consolation into the wounded breast. I 
cannot, indeed, comfort you in person ; but if I may be allowed to 
sptak in my Lord and Saviours name, I may often do so by letter. 
Indeed, my dearest aunt, I shall be happy, in any endeavour I can 
exert, to prove to you how aftectionately I am interested in what 
regards your welfare, both spiritual and temporal. I am daily ex- 
ercised amongst the sick, the weak, the maimed, the sullering, and 
the departing; and am constantly reminded of the uncertainty of 
life, even from one day to another. What a glorious light has the 
word of God thrown on the otherwise dark and gloomy uncer- 
tainty, which would have overhung the prospect of eternity ! How 
full, how free a provi?i(5n. has our gracious God revealed for the sal- 
vation of sinners, who lay hold on his promises by faith ! May you 
and 1 be enabled, under every trial and pang of soul or body, to flee 
to the strong One for help, remembering that * in all our aflflictions 
he wi.s alTlicted.' 

'- May the recollection of every past instance of God's kindness 

lead you to trust in him, ond to repose on his redeeming grace and 

love. May your prayer be'constanlly heard and answered, when 

at the ^hrone of grace you plead what a Saviour has done and suf- 

♦ See Burnct'i Pastoral Care. 



REV. LEGH RICHMOND. 97 

fered for you, and supplicate for a heart thankfully resigned to God, 
let what will be his pleasure concerning you. I feel persuaded you 
will ascribe what I have said, to a sincere affection, and a desire to 
contribute my mite of consolation under the trial which Providence 
has brought upon you. May you meet it with the true spirit of Chris- 
tian fortitude. Sanctified afflictions are the Lord's peculiar mer- 
cies to those whom he loves. May your's prove one of this kind ! 
Frequent meditation on the great change to which we are all daily 
liable, and to which the youngest are rapidly hastening— is highly 
profitable to the soul, and begets a watchfulness and preparedness 
of mind for every event and circumstance. Seasons of sickness 
and debility are peculiarly calculated to this end. They are often 
expressly sent, that as in the day of health and prosperity we are too 
prone to forget the Author and Giver of all our blessings, these mes- 
sengers of mercy may be the means, in his Almighty hands, of col- 
lecting our wandering thoughts and affections, and of fixing them 
abidingly on him. Receive these reflections from one who loves 
you, who wishes never to forget that he is a minister of Christ, and 
always 

" Your aflfectionate nephew^, 

" Legh Richmond." 

•My dearest Mother, Turvey, January 29, 1808. 

" The return of this day * reminds me of life, death, and eter- 
nity; it reminds me of times past, and anticipates times to come; 
it reminds me of my dear mother also, and of the many affection- 
ate sensations which the successive anniversaries of my birth have 
from year to year given her, arising from the mingled hope of good 
and fear of evil. Sometimes you have written to me on this day ; 
but lest a letter should not be penned betw^een us, I take up the 
quill to write to you. Accept my kind, tender, and dutiful assu- 
rances of filial love and veneration, and ten thousand thanks for all 
your cares and prayers on my account, for six and thirty years ; 
nor ever let it be thought that I am insensible to what I owe you. 
Happy shall I feel, if enabled and permitted to contribute to the 
ease and consolation of your declining years, and to mitigate tlie 
infirmities of old age, by the duly applied exertions of younger 
years ! It seems but a little while since I was a boy myself, return- 
ing home from season to season, to enjoy the blessing and comfort 
of parental and sisterly society and affection at your home ; and 
now I see myself surrounded by my boys and girls at my own 

* His 1/irtIi-flrvy, 
\) 



98 MEMOIRS OF THE 

liomr, prowiiifj apacr, and preparinor to octiii)y the station in the 
world which we now fill up. It is an old and worn-out remark, 
' how time flies !' Yet we cannot help all making it in our turn ; we 
feel its force, and out of the ahundance of the heart the mouth 
speaketh. One cannot help sometimes ejaculating with good old 
David, ^ O, spare me a little, that I may recover my strength, be- 
fore I go hence and be no more seen !' What a scene does 
eternity present ! — the years of life past — early connexions dis- 
solved — the secrets of all hearts laid open — souls saved or lost — 
Christ, a frowning judge, or a welcome Saviour — all mistakes and 
errors in religion at an end — every false foundation undermined — 
a world in flames and consumed, as though it had never been — 
time itself no more — eternal ages of ages rolling on in ceaseless 
bliss or wo? Who is sulhcient even to speak on these things? 

" Pray for me, that since the Lord has spared me another year, I 
may not prove such a barren fig-tree as heretofore. I could look 
back on all that is past, and view^ myself as no better than a cum- 
berer of the ground. But the gracious Vine-dresser intercedes, and 
his prayer is full of love and mercy : may the Owner of the vine- 
yard hear, and answer it. I have been very unwell, but am now 
much better: the poor fig-tree is not yet cut down. May it beai 
fruit to the glory of the Father. Accept our love, and give it to 
those around you; and believe me 

" Your affectionate son, 

" Legh Richmond." 

" Turvey, March 25, 1809. 
*' My dearest Mother, 
" I do indeed most sincerely rejoice at your recovery from so 
severe an attack of your complaint, as that which you describe. 
May a gracious God protect you under the shadow of his wmg, and 
spare your valuable health, for all our sakes ; may you daily enjoy 
more of a sense of the Divine presence, as you advance in your 
pilgrimage ; may you sometimes be favoured, from the top of the 
mount of Pisgah, with a cheerful prospect of Canaan ; and always 
be supported by the trust that He wlio hath begun the good w^ork 
in you, will perfect it in his own time. Your occasional doubts 
and fears arise from too much considering Aiith and repentance as 
the grounds^ rather than the evidences of salvation. The truth is, 
that a weak faith makes the soul as secure, though not so happy, as 
a strong one : and an imperfect repentance, as we deem it, may be 
sincere, and therefore a work of grace. Our salvation is not be- 



REV. LEGH RICHMOND. 99 

cause we do so well, but because ' He whom we trust^ liath done 
all things well.' The believing sinner is never more happy nor 
secure, than when, at the same moment, he beholds and feels his 
own vileness, and also his Saviour's excellence. 

I the chief of sinners am, 
But Jesus died for me : 

is the burden of his song. You look at yourself too much, and at 
the infinite price paid for you too little. For conviction, it is true, 
you must look to your own heart ; but for comfort, at your own 
Saviour. Thus the wounded Israelites were to look only at the 
brazen serpent for recovery. The graces of the Spirit, such as 
love, patience, goodness, faith, &c. are good things for others to 
judge us by; but it is Christianity, as received, believed in, rested 
upon, loved, and followed, that will speak 'peace to ourselves. By 
looking unto Him, we shall grow holy ; and the more holy we 
grow, the more we shall mourn over sin, and be sensible how very 
short we come of what we yet desire to be. None are so holy as 
those who mourn that they are not more so. While our sanctifi- 
cation is a gradual and still imperfect work, our justification is per- 
fect and complete : the former is wrought in us, the latter for us. 
Rely simply, as a worthless sinner, on the Saviour, and the latter 
is all your own, with its accompanying blessings of pardon, ac- 
ceptance, adoption, and the ?zon-imputation of sin to your charge. 
Hence will flow thankful obedience, devotedness of heart, patience 
in tribulation, and quiet waiting for the glory of God. Thus, sal- 
vation is by faith alone ; and thus, saving faith works by love. 
Embrace these principles freely, fully, and impartially, and you 
will enjoy a truly scriptural peace, assurance, and comfort. 

" You would hear from my dear wife something of my intended 
proceedings, during the ensuing month of May. She has, of course, 
told you, that I am to preach the annual missionary sermon, in 
London, on Whit-Tuesday. Mr. Robinson, of Leicester, preached 
last year. 

"I hope will succeed in procuring an eligible resi- 
dence. How I wish they might fix near a truly pious and devoted 
clergyman. The importance of this circumstance should never be 
forgotten in the choice of a residence, and is of far greater impor- 
tance than many are disposed to consider it. 

" May God bless, protect, and preserve you in his own kingdom. 

Love to Mr. and Mrs. H , from all here, and from 

" Your affectionate son, 

" Legti Richmond.- 



100 MEMOIRS OF THE 

It was towards the close of the year 1808, that the writer of thi? 
nicinoir first became acquainted with Mr. Richmond ; and as the 
circumstances connected with the occurrence were of a nature 
that \ci\ to a very confidential intercourse, terminating only with 
the decease of his revered and much-beloved friend, he trusts he 
shall be excused for briefly adverting to the subject. 

Soon after his entrance into the ministry, the serious charge 
first attracted his attention, that the Gospel was not generally 
preached with fidelity and correctness by the clergy. As this 
accusation was circulate<l in the neighbourhood where he then 
lived, and he was included in the supposed number of the de- 
linquents, it awakened serious reflections in his mind. Having 
adopted the profession of the church under a strong predilection 
for its duties, he was disposed, in the first instance, to repel this 
insinuation, with a deep sense of injured feelings, not wholly un- 
niingled with indignation ; and to attribute it to the prevalence ol 
dissent in that particular vicinity. But the question immediately 
-suggested itself— U'/iy was there a prevalence of dissent ; and 
(lid not this fact of itself constitute a ^rave and momentous 
charsre^ affecting the character and credit of the clergy? The 
fact, of the poor usually forming the larger proportion of the 
seceders, contributed in no small degree to rouse his conscience, 
and to call for deliberate and solemn inquiry. 

At that period, the religious views of the writer, in common 
with those of many others, were of the following nature — that we 
were to fulfil every appointed duty to the best of our ability, and 
that all deficiencies would be supplied by the merits of the Re- 
deemer : thus making the sinner's salvation, principally, the eflect 
of his own merits, and considering those of the Saviour merely as 
supplementary to them. The corruption and entire alienation of 
the hunuin heart from God, the necessity of the renewing influences 
of tlie Holy Spirit, and the manner of their operation, were very 
inadequately imderstood by him ; and consequently, very obscurely 
-tated from the pulpit; and yet he was diligent in his parochial 
duties, zealous as a preacher of righteousness, and aimed at holi- 
ness in his life, without ever being able to attain what he so ear- 
nestly desired. After various attempts to satisfy his conscience, 
the suggestion gradually presented itself, that it was possible he 
might hold erroneous views, however unconscious of their nature 
and extent ; and the awful words of the apostle, " Wo unto me if I 
preach not the Gospel." began to fill his mind with trouble and 
dismay. Not to dwell on a series of minor circumstances, the 



REV. LEGH RICHMOND. 101 

idea which was first admitted as a possibility^ assumed the charac- 
ter of probability ; and, for a period of two years, his mind was 
kept in a state of painful conflict -, during which, many a prayer 
was offered up to the Father of lights, and to the God of all mercy j 
and the promise unceasingly pleaded — " If any man lack wisdom, 
let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraid eth 
not ; and it shall be given him." — James i. 5. 

At the expiration of this time, a dying friend sent him Romaine's 
twelve Discourses on the Law and the Gospel ; earnestly express- 
ing a hope, that the perusal of them might be as useful to him, as 
she had found it to be to herself. It was to this book that the 
writer owed the solution of all his difficulties, and the first clear 
and spiritual conviction of the mode of a sinner's acceptance before 
God ; from it he discovered, than the law can never save, either 
in whole or in part — that its office is rather to condemn, " as the 
killing letter," and " the ministration unto death," because it re- 
quires that perfect and unsinning obedience, which no man can 
perform ; and in the absence of such obedience, pronounces the 
awful sentence — " Cursed is every one that continueth not in all 
things which are written in the book of the law to do them." — Gal. 
iii. 10.* Thus the law becomes " a school-master, to lead us to 
Christ" — that the condemned and guilty sinner may see the grace 
and glory of that redemption which is revealed in the Gospel ; and 
disclaiming all self-dependence, may seek and find acceptance from 
the unmerited mercy of God in Christ Jesus. The work entitled, 
' The Fathers of the English Church,' of which an account has 
already been given, was, at the same time, just published in num- 
bers ; and, from a conviction that none were likely to be better 
guides, in the right interpretation of the doctrines of the Church ol 
England, than those who framed them, the writer began to read 
the above publication with great interest. Shortly afterwards, he 
M^as removed to his present residence, at Biddenham, but not before 
he had been permitted to see some very decided fruits from his 
change of views, and from a more scriptural style of preaching. 
The parish of Biddenham not being further distant from Turvey 
that six miles, he frequently heard of Mr. Richmond's character and 
proceedings ; and having expressed a strong desire to cultivate his 
acquaintance, this wish was shortly after gratified. 

As he was one morning engaged in reading the ^ Fathers,' the 
name of Mr. Richmond was announced, and he immediately en- 

♦ See also Daniel ix. 11. 



102 MEMOIRS OF THE 

tcrod tlic room. After a few genernl remarks, " Wliat is the book, 
sir," he asked, "that you are reading?" "The 'Fathers of the 
English Church,'" I rephed. "What is the nature of the work, 
and your opinion of its merits ?" I observed, tliat I had been led 
by a train of circinnstancos to examine very minutely into the real 
purport and character (>f the doctrines of eur Church, from a con- 
viction that a great diversity of opinion prevailed on the subject ; 
and that, instead of being directed by any modern guide, it appear- 
ed to me to be the duty of a conscientious minister, to trace its doc- 
trines to the writings of those men by whose labours it had been 
established. That a work had lately been published, professing to 
contain copious extracts from the writings of the Reformers, which 
I considered to be a most invaluable performance ; that I was 
deriving much benefit and edification from it; and that if it were 
read by the clergy generally, I thought it would be attended with 
very important consequences. Seeing a smile upon his counte- 
nance, I inquired, " Why do you smile, sir ?" " It is owing," he 
replied, " to the singularity of our conversation ; and you yourself 
will, perliaps, smile, and be surprised, when I inform you that the 
editor of the work, in the praise of which you are so earnest, is 
now before you." "You the author of this work ?" "Yes," he 
replied, " I am the compiler." He then related the facts that 
have already been recorded, as to the manner in which he first be- 
came possessed of the writings of the Reformers. The interest 
excited in my mind by this communication, and by the whole of 
the interview, awakened a strong wish to cultivate a nearer inter- 
course with so valuable a character ; and the foundation was soon 
laid of an intimacy which the experience of every year increased 
and strengthened — the harmony of which was never interrupted 
for a day, an hour, or a moment ; and which was the source of in- 
CTcasinfr profit, comfort, and happiness, to its lamented close. Little 
did I think, when this first interview occurred with my estimable 
friend, that we were afterwards to be frequent companions in many 
a labour of love — in many a public cause ; and to share, with mutual 
sympathy, in the various events that have occurred since that pe- 
riod ; — that I then saw before me the man with whom I was to be 
leagued in the closest bonds of intimacy — that I should be called 
ui)on to ofllciate in baptizing his children, marrying his daughters, 
and burying two of his sons ; and, finally, that it would \ye my 
mournful duty, amidst the tears of his bereaved family and sorrow- 
ing parishioners, to perform the last sad offices for himself! 



REV. LEGH RICHMOND. 103 

Shortly after the above interview, Mr. Richmond was requested 
to preach at Biddenham. It was the first time that I had ever 
heard a minister of his sentiments. The clearness, the ability, and 
the impressive manner, in which he unfolded the great truths of 
the Gospel— the earnest and affectionate appeals that he made to 
the conscience ; the skill with which he discriminated the different 
classes of his hearers, the astonishing fluency of his utterance, and 
the earnestness both of the preacher and the congregation, awakened 
in me a train of solemn reflections, and especially on the value of 
public preaching, when conducted on such principles, and accom- 
panied with such holy and devout affections. An intense interest 
and a heavenly fervour seemed to be depicted in every countenance, 
and to be felt in every heart. I shared in the same emotions, but 
they were accompanied by a great depression of feeling, and a con- 
viction that I was wholly unworthy to enter the same pulpit ; nor 
shall I ever forget the seasonable remark of a pious old man, on 
the following morning, who, in dwelling on the excellences of the 
preceding day's discourse, observed, " The grace that God has 
given to him, he can give both to you and me ; for God is no 
respecter of persons." 

The writer being called away for a short time, by some family 
circumstances, Mr. Richmond undertook to assist him, and supply 
the duty at Biddenham and at the adjoining parish of Stagsden. It 
was during this interval that he received from him the two follow- 
ing letters. 

" Turvey^ February 8, 1809. 
" My dear Friend, 
" I sincerely pray that you may be restored to your parishes 
in that happy frame which may, under a divine blessing, render 
you to them, and them to you, a mutual comfort. A general inte- 
rest and inquiry is excited in your whole vicinity, to hear you, and 
the word of God from your lips. May you be directed and ena- 
bled, by the Searcher of all hearts, to preach Jesus Christ freely, 
fully, and effectually, both to unconverted and converted sinners. 
Do not shun to declare the whole counsel of God. Keep in mind 
that excellent rule I mentioned the other morning : ' never preach a 
single sermon, from which an unenlightened hearer might not 
learn the plan of salvation, even though he never afterwards heard 
another discourse.' Sin and salvation are the two grand subjects 
of our preaching ; and they ought to be brought forward unceas- 
ingly, both doctrinally, practically, and, above all, experimentally. 



104 MEMOIRS OF THE 

Treachfrom the heart, and it will always reach the heart. I always 
find that when I speak from the inward feelings of my own heart, 
with respeet to the workings of inbred corruption, earnest desire 
after salvation, a sense of my own nothingness, and my Saviour's 
fulness, the people hear, feel, are edified, and strengthened. Where- 
a>*, if I descend to mere formal or cold explanations of particulars 
which do nt)t affect the great question — ' What must I do to hv. 
saved ?' — my hearers and I grow languid and dull together, and no 
good is done. 

•• Many of our hearers have been accustomed to attend at vari- 
ous descriptions of meeting-houses. The general character of 
meeting-house piety is simple, earnest, scriptural, plain, and inter- 
esting — the awful condition of a sinner, in his natural state, and 
the consolations and promises of a Saviour, are dwelt upon through- 
out their prayers and discourses. Thus far all is good ; and we 
must do the same, if we would retain or regain our congregations. 
Thus the fathers of the English cliurch preached to our elders and 
predecessors; — thus preached Romaine, Walker, Venn, Berridfje, 
Milner, Newton, &c. ; and thus souls were saved, and the church 
of England flourished^ and was built up under their ministry. 
May you and I do so likewise, and daily see the fruit of our 
labours, in the growth of our people in divine knowledge. 

'* You see I speak to you witli the freedom of a brother ; you 
have given me liberty so to do. I esteem you highly for it, and 
thank you for the confidence you repose in me; I only desire to 
use it to the glory of God, and the good of souls. Having some 
little experience in the ministry, and knowing a good deal of the 
character and circumstances of the people, both religious and irre- 
ligious, in this neighbourhood, I may sometimes have it in my 
power to suggest hints, and communicate information, that may be 
useful and satisfactory to you. But above all, pray fervently to 
God for a blessing on yourself, your preaching, your people, on the 
church of God, and last, though not least, on 

" Your unworthy friend and brother, 

"Legh Richmond." 

'' Turvey, February 20, 1809. 

" My dear Friend and Brotlier, 

" I promised you an account of my proceedings with respect 

to your parishes, and now sit down to fulfil that promise. My 

friend who engaged to assist me, having been prevented from 

coming here, I was under the ncceasity of ^x'lng a later hour for 



REV. LEGH RICHMOND. 105 

the services at Biddenham, but it was perfectly agreeable to your 
people, and to many even more agreeable, than if I had served 
your church at the usual time. 

" Your churches have been overflovring as to the number of 
hearers, and I trust God will bless the work amongst them ; I 
preached for you also at Biddenham on the Fast-day :— I had every 
reason to be highly satisfied with the general appearance of things, 
during the three weeks I preached at Biddenham. Our truly Chris- 
tian friends, the B.'s, did every thing possible to promote my com- 
fort, and the general good of our holy cause. At two o'clock in 
the afternoon of the r3th ultimo, I arrived for the first time at 
Stagsden ;* the whole school were assembled in the church, and a 
fine congregation. I preached a sermon on the opening of the 
school. When the service was over, I desired the children 
and their relations to come into the chancel, where I gave 
them a familiar address, by way of encouragement, and spoke to 
them individually on their respective duties. I yesterday went to 
Stagsden again, later in the afternoon, being unable to get there so 
early as I wished, and found a noble congregation indeed. After 
service I inspected the school, and made a few regulations for order 
and decency, which will await your approbation. I have been very 
desirous that the first impressions on the minds of the scholars, 
and that of the parish at large, should be, that it is a religious as 
well as a literary institution ; and I think I have succeeded. I vi- 
sited this morning two dying parishioners of Stagsden, one at 
North-end, and the other at Bury-end. Both, alas ! with little 
light. I have said and done every thing I could amongst the peo- 
ple, to pave the way, as I trust, for your comfortable labours 
amongst them. I shall hope to see you as soon as you return, as I 
shall be glad to enter into fuller details of several little particulars 
which may be for your satisfaction, and that of the parishes. One 
day at Biddenham, I conversed individually with several of your 
parishioners, and was happy to find that some young persons have 
been seriously impressed under your ministry. Some others also 
spoke to me, and desired to be kindly remembered, particularly 
one named . I propose going next week to see your Bid- 
denham flock once more before you return. 

" Having given you some account of your parochial transac- ^ 
tions, allow me to express my earnest wishes for your spiritual 



* A neighbouring" village, the curacy of which was, at that time, attached to 
Biddenham. 



106 MEMOIRS OF THE 

prosperity, both as it concerns your own inward experience and 
outward ministry. I feel persuaded that you will every day in- 
creasingly discover your infinite obligation to our common Lord 
and Saviour, who has led you by his grace to discern between 
good and evil, truth and error, salvation by works, and salvation by 
grace through faith alone. I cannot help feeling an affectionate 
and brotherly concern and regard towards you, from havmg so ex- 
actly trod over a similar ground. I have known the difficulty of 
giving up all for Christ — of ceasing to do and speak as the world 
around me did ; — I have felt the necessity of denying myself — 
taking up the cross, and following our Lord. I offer up my 
])rayers, that your mind may be strengthened unto the clearest 
views of every essential truth, and unto firm resolutions to walk in 
the good old way of our forefathers. 

" God appears to have prepared you a people for your labours, 
and they are anxiously awaiting your arrival. May the Lord give 
you many of them as souls for your hire ! 

" Allow me, with all the confidence and anxiety which friend- 
ship and a desire to serve the interest of our great cause inspire, to 
give it as my decided advice, (founded on observation, and on the 
state of feeling and habit amongst religious people in general,) 
that you study even the prejudices of those amongst whom you 
may labour, against all worldly conformity, that might injure the 
weight and influence of your ministry. Public, and some private 
amusements, are viewed with peculiar dislike and disapprobation 
by good people in general. Those who have not been accustomed 
to converse intimately with that most respectable part of the com- 
numity, the middle and lower ranks of religious persons, would 
hardly conceive how strong their feelings are upon those points, 
which others often view as trivial. I merely mention these things, 
because I have myself found the necessity of attending to them, 
far beyond wliat I at first supposed. I feel a deep interest for your 
happiness, and the success of your ministry. I view it as a mat- 
ter of providential mercy, that you are thrown into this new situa- 
tion, and trust great good will arise from it to you, and to the 
people. 

" I am much obliged by the friendly confidence with which you 
have treated me, and pray God that our intercourse may be tnily 
blest. 

" I ought to apologize for so long a letter, but I have been insen- 
sihly led to be prolix. I shall preach, and visit the new Sunday 
school at Stagsden, on Sunday next, and shall pay one more visit 



REV. LEGH RICHMOND. 107 

to your people at Biddenham, in the middle of next week ; at the 
.end of which I hope God will restore you in safety to ' your work 
and your reward.' May the free, sovereign, unmerited, and effec- 
tual grace of God, give you all spiritual blessings in heavenly 
places with Christ Jesus. I commend you to his high and holy 
keeping, and desire you to be assured with how great sincerity 
I am 

Your unworthy fellow labourer, 

" Legh Richmond." 

The writer of this memoir cannot help here observing, how 
much he recognized the hand of Providence in leading him to a 
neighbourhood which abounded with so many privileges of a re- 
ligious nature, and where he found so experienced and useful a 
guide as Mr. Richmond. In his former residence, with the excep- 
tion of an endeared friend, the want of these advantages was high- 
ly injurious to his progress in the knowledge of religion. In this 
way we discover the goodness and wisdom of Providence, in the 
various circumstances and events of our lives, in appointing the 
bounds of our habitation, and placing us when and where his Al- 
mighty wisdom and love see to be most suited to the purposes of 
his grace, and our own welfare and advancement in holiness. 

It was about this period, in the year 1809, that those great institu- 
tions, whose subsequent career is so well known, suddenly emerged 
from a state of comparative obscurity, and, by a kind of simulta- 
neous movement, engrossed the popular favour and sanction, from 
one extremity of the kingdom to the other. Men were at length 
roused from their apathy, and seized with avidity the opportunity 
now presented of redeeming the guilt of past neglect. On the 
other hand, feelings of disapprobation, or of more avowed oppo- 
sition, were manifested in certain quarters, and ministers of the 
Established Church were subjected to much misrepresentation and 
censure, on account of their attachment to these societies. It 
seems, therefore, not irrelevant, in recording the life of one who 
was a most active friend and able supporter of these institutions, 
to offer a few remarks, in vindication of the motives which in- 
duced Mr. Richmond and others to afford them their zealous co- 
operation. 

The British and Foreign Bible Society first claims our notice. 

If ever there was a loud call for making an extended effort to cir- 
culate theinspired Volume, it was at the period of the establishment 
of this society. At home, the poison of infidelity had been propa- 



108 MEMOIRS OF THE 

gated with «inpular nialiijinty and perseverance; while a sufficient 
supply of the Holy Sfriptures, the only antidote capable of arrest- 
ing^ its progress, was not to be obtained. 

On the continent of Europe, where this deficiency existed to a 
much greater extent, and anti-social and anti-religious confederacy 
had long been actively at work,* and atheism itself had been pro- 
claiinod with the authority and sanction oflaw.f The moral re- 
straints, so necessary to be imposed on the passions of men, being 
tlius withdrawn, a system of demoralization had gradually diffused 
itself throughout civilized Europe, and the great fabric of civil and 
religious society had long been threatened with dissolution. The 
attempt therefore, at such a moment of disorder and confusion, to 
bring men back to the important sanctions of a divine Revelation, 
seemed to be nothing less than an act of heavenly interposition, 
and a visible fulfilment of the promise, that the gales of hell shall 
not prevail against the interests of the church of God ; — it was to 
erect the most powerful barrier against the future encroachments of 
infidelity ; and, viewed in this light, it seemed like the bow in the 
heavens, the pledge that the world was not to be again destroyed 
by the overwhelming flood. 

It is a delightful reflection, that Great Britain was the first to 
stem the torrent, and, during a period of prevailing infidelity, to 
form an institution, whose object was to dispense the bread of life 
at home and abroad, to every nation under heaven. 

To effect this grand enterprise of Christian benevolence, men of 
all ranks and denominations, laying aside party distinctions, met on 
common ground, and exliibited an union hitherto unknown in the 
annals of Christendom ; — an union of all hands and of all hearts ; 
holy in its character, and yielding the fruits of righteousness and 
peace ; — an union, presenting to the world a new weapon to silence 
the vauntings of the adversary, and tending to the fulfilment of the 
prayer of the divine Intercessor — " that they all may be one, as 
thou. Father, art in me, and I in thee : that they also may be one 
in us, ^'^ that the world may believe that thou hast sent 77?(?." — 
JohJi xvii. 21. 

Cheering as w^re the prospects aflTorded by this union of the 
Christian world, an union without compromise of principle, and 
whose sole object was to lift up the standard of divine truth, that 

♦ See Barruel's Jacobin Conspiracy on this subject, and another work of 
similar character, by Profes.^or Robinson. 

i A decree passed, during the French Revolution, in the National Convex^ 
4ion, declaring- that there was no God ! 



REV. LEGH RICHMOND. 109 

all nations might gather around it — yet there never was an insti- 
tution which encountered a more systematic opposition. 

It was maintained, and no doubt with all the sincerity of con- 
viction, that the circulation of the Bible alone, unaccompanied by 
the Prayer Book, the proper and authorized symbol of the Establish- 
ed Church, must ultimately prove fatal to that church ; and yet, if the 
Prayer Book be in accordance with the Bible, as the members of 
the Established Church believe and avow, does it not seem at va- 
riance with the allowed connexion of cause and effect, to suppose 
that a principle, in its tendency and design, can be subversive of 
that with which it is identified : or that the Bible, which propa- 
gates nothing but truth, and therefore is opposed to nothing but er- 
ror, can possibly lead to such a disastrous issue ? It would cer- 
tainly have been a strange anomaly in morals, as well as in argu- 
mentative reasoning, for the future historian to have recorded, that 
in the sixteenth century the Church of England was first erected 
on the foundation of the Bible, and of the Bible alone ; and yet that 
in the nineteenth century, it was undermined and finally over- 
thrown by the same instrumentality: thus exhibiting the extraordi- 
nary spectacle of a church subverted by the identical cause to which 
it owed its original establishment. The Bible, the Bible alone, says 
the immortal Chillingworth, is the religion of Protestants ; and the 
Church of England has recorded the same declaration in one of her 
Articles. Its members, therefore, have nothing to apprehend from 
the circulation of the sacred volume. They have only to fear " the 
worm at the root," the decay of sound and scriptural principles, to 
obviate which the Bible furnishes the best antidote. 

But while the sufficiency of the Holy Scriptures is allowed to be 
the doctrine of our own church, and the fundamental principle of 
the Protestant faith, another objection was urged at this time, with 
no less frequency, namely, that the union of such discordant mate- 
rials (as they were called) as churchmen and dissenters, would 
prove totally impracticable. Without referring to the characteris- 
tic feature of Christianity, which is to unite all men into one holy 
brotherhood, we will here argue the question rather as a matter of 
fact, than of speculation. The harmony of this union has now 
continued during a long lapse of years, without experiencing any 
interruption ; and it has owed its preservation to the uniform fide- 
lity with which the society has adhered to its fundamental prin- 
ciple, viz. the exclusion of note and comment ; — restricting its mem- 
btirs to the simple recognition of one great truth — that the inspired 
v^dume is the common standard of faith a-nd practice to all man- 

10 



110 MEMOIRS OF THE 

kind. It is Iruo, that disunion in Iho councils of the society has 
unhappily occurred, but it arose from other causes, wliich we need 
not specify, because they are too well known ; and it is not less 
known, tliat they were wholly unconnected with the union ol 
clmrclnncn and dissenters. The writer can also add his own tes- 
timony in the following remarkable fact, that diirinjT an intercourse 
of eight years' continuance with the late Hev. Mr. Toller, an emi 
nent and amiable dissenting minister at Kettering, with whom hr 
was associated as secretary to the Northamptonsliire Bible So 
ciety, so numerous were the subjects of discussion in which tho} 
were found to agree, that there was neither opportunity nor inclina- 
tion to introduce those in which they differed. Instances might 
also be enumerated to prove the tendency of this society to soften 
political differences, and national animosities. Mr. Baker and Mr. 
Plomer, two rival candidates for the representation of the county 
of Hertford, first met together without fcH'lings of asperity, on the 
platform of a Bible Society, and after the meeting, expressed their 
mutual satisfaction in embracing each other as friends. In a simi- 
lar manner, the late Mr. Whitbread seconded a resolution at the 
London Auxiliary Bible Society, which Lord Castlereagh had pre- 
viously moved ; stating, that in such a cause he forgot the oppo- 
nent, and recognized only the fri(Mid. Another interesting fact may 
also be stated. After the anniversary of the Paris Bible Society, in 
the year 1826, the writer met a warm and dislinguislied friend of the 
cause, the Admiral Count Virhuel, who, two years before, had at- 
tended the great annual meeting in London, as the representative 
of the French Bible Society, and occui)ied a seat next to Admiral 
Lord (tambier. On recjuesting to know what were liis feelings on 
that occasion, he replied, " I remember the time when Lord Gam- 
bier and myself could not have stood so near each other, without 
each holding a sword in our hands. At that time we did not feel 
the want of our swords; we suffered them to remain in tlie scab- 
bard ; we had no sword, but the sword of the Spirit, and 'the sword 
of the Spirit is the word of God.'" '^ Would it not," I added, ''be 
a matter of regret to you to be again engaged in war with Great 
Britain?" "I should always," he answered, "regret to be at war 
with a country that is so nobly engaged in sending the Gospel of 
peace throughout th(* world." 

Anecdotes like these are the best refutation of objections such as 
we have already enumerated. A uniting principle cannot possiUy 
be a bad principle; the spirit of love is the spirit of Christ and of 
true religion ; while prejudice contracts the heart, and fills the mind 



REV. LEGH RICHMOND. Ill 

with injurious surmises ; it finds a vulnerable part in every limb 
of an Achilles, and a defect and blemish in every feature of a 
Venus. 

The Church Missionary Society next merits attention. That we 
may duly appreciate the motives which led to the establishment of 
this institution, it is necessary to state, that, prior to its formation, 
the only society in the Church of England, exclusively devoted to 
missionary objects, was the society for the propagation of the Gos- 
pel in Foreign parts. Though this designation seemed to imply a 
character of universality in its labours, they were, in fact, restricted 
to the British Colonies in North America. In addition to this limit- 
ed scene of exertion, the Societj^ for promoting Christian Know- 
ledge united with its other operations the charge and superinten- 
dence of the Danish mission at Tranquebar, and the field of labour 
formerly occupied with such distinguished success by the apostolic 
Swartz; and yet their labourers did not exceed four or five in 
number ; while so inadequate were the funds for the support of this 
undertaking, that the missionaries were accustomed to contribute 
towards its expenses from their own salary, and sometimes even 
from their personal property. Such was the extent of missionary 
exertion in the church of England about the beginning of the pre- 
sent century. 

With the knowledge of these facts, it appeared to several pious 
and reflecting minds, that an effort ought to be made, more com- 
mensurate with the credit and dignity of the Established Church, 
the claims of the Heathen, and the ample facilities possessed by 
this country for communicating the blessings of the Gospel. With- 
out, therefore, presummg to impeach existing societies for neglect- 
ing a field of labour which they never undertook to cultivate, duty 
loudly demanded a vigorous effort to rouse the dormant energies of 
the public, and to stimulate British Christians to dispense that Gos- 
pel which the providence and grace of God had entrusted to their 
hands. The appeal was made, nor was it made in vain; and the 
Church Missionary Society, forming its plans on the doctrine and 
discipline of the Church of England, commenced its career by 
selecting Africa and the East as the scene of its operations. 

It is due to this Society to state, that, considering the difliculties 
it had to encounter, both at home and abroad, all its proceedings 
have been marked by singular judgment, uniform Christian conci- 
liation, a well regulated and chastised zeal, and that which forms 
the real and effective weapon of all missionary enterprise — a spirit 
of humility, and faitli in the power and promises of God. Jt is 



112 MEMOIHS OF THE 

also no small praise, that this society was the first in the Church 
of England that ever attempted to repair the wrongs of injur- 
ed Africa, by conferring vpon it the blessings of the Gospel: — 
and the first that wiped away the reproach from our church, of 
having never sent labourers from among her own sons, to go 
forth in the cause (f the Heathen. We may, however, now refer 
witli emotions of gratitude and praise, to her missionary seminary, 
to the living witnesses of reviving piety, and to those who have 
already finished their course with joy, after having borne the heat 
and burden of the day, leaving others to reap the harvest which 
they sowed in tears. Such were Martyn, and Johnson, and Brooks, 
and Palmer, and others like-minded ; of whom we may exclaim, 
"these all died in faith, not having received the promises, but hav- 
ing seen them afar off, and were persuaded of them, and embraced 
them, and confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims on 
the earth." — Ileb. xi. 13. This Society is at present honoured with 
the sanction of nine of the prelates of the church. 

The Society for promoting Christianity among the Jews owes 
its origin to the conviction that, amidst the prevailing desire to ex- 
tend the blessings of the Gospel to the world at large, the exclu- 
sion of the ancient people of God was an act unauthorised and un- 
just. The divine command is positive and express, " go and 
preach the Gospel to every creature ;" the Jew, therefore, must 
be supposed to be included in this command, and to have all the 
common claims of the heathen, with the prior rights of the Jew. 
The order emphatically given, was " to begin at Jerusalem ;" 
and the Gospel is represented to be the power of God, " to the Jew 
first, and also to the Greek." The assertion that the Jews are 
not to be converted by human agency, but by some extraordinary 
display of Almighty power — that the time is not yet come— that 
they are in a state of judicial blindness, and too degraded to en- 
courage any reasonable hope for their conversion, forms no ground 
for the neglect of a divine command. The Jew is an alien from 
God, and needs mercy ; and it is this need, and the authority of a 
divine command, that constitute his right to the offer — if he reject 
it, the responsibility is his own — if the offer be withheld, the re- 
sponsibility is ours ; because it is not the secret purpose of God, 
but his declared will, that is the basis and rule of our conduct. 
The difhculties of the attempt may be alleged ; but diihculties 
form no justification for disobeying a divine command. Besides, 
what are difficulties in the hand of Omnipotence ! WTiat is 



REV. LEGH RICHMOND. 113 

moral darkness to him that can turn darkness into the light of 
noon-day ! 

At the very moment in which we are now writing, the extraor- 
dinary signs of the times, and the gradual waning of the Cres- 
cent on the shores of the false prophet, give a character of intense 
interest to the future destinies of the Jewish nation. If the grand 
crisis, indicated by prophecy, to which the servants of God look 
with anxious solicitude, should indeed be approaching ; who does 
not see, in the events which will probably follow that crisis, the 
removal of an apparent barrier to the accomplishment of the pur- 
poses of God respecting his ancient people ? It is true that " the 
times and seasons the Father hath reserved in his own hands," 
nor is it for erring mortals presumptuously to intrude into the 
secrets of his counsel. But as the Almighty has connected the 
fulfilment of his purposes with the agency of certain causes — when 
this agency seems to be exerted, we may turn with joyful hope, 
and hail the hour of Israel's salvation. " There shall come out 
of Zion the deliverer, who shall turn away ungodliness from Ja- 
cob." 

Nor ought we to omit, as a most powerful argument in favour 
of this society, that the promises will never receive their final ac- 
complishment, nor the Church of Christ attain to the full matu- 
rity of its high and holy calling, till the natural ]^ranches be again 
grafted in by the same Almighty power which suffered their ex- 
cision. 

It is, however, important to state distinctly, that this society does 
not take its sanction from the prophecies which respect the final 
restoration of the Jews. Nor does it presume /o determine in 
what manner, or at what period, the Jews, as a nation, are to be 
converted ; whether by some miraculous interposition, or by hu- 
man instrumentality, or by both. These subjects -it leaves to 
every man's private judgment, and is not responsible for the pe- 
culiar sentiments of any of its advocates. It acts on the simple 
principle of precept and duty ;—ih?it the Jew has long rejected 
the faith of Christ, and yet cannot be saved without it ; and that it 
is our bounden obligation, as Christians, to direct him to the re- 
medy which we possess, and which lie needs. This is the foun- 
dation on which the society prefers its claim. The revealed pur- 
pose and design of God is an encouragement to its faith, but it is 
his divine command alone which is the rule and autlioriiy for its 
undertaking. So long as it adheres to this fundamental principle, 
it occupies a station from which no sophistry or ingenuity of ar- 

10* 



114 MEMOIRS OF THE 

gument can dislodge it. If it depclrt^^ from this simple principle, 
and, in its public proceedings, shall ever be led to mingle matters 
of doubtful disputation, it may gratify the predilections of a few, 
but it will not fail to alienate others. The society's strength and 
wisdom is evidently to adopt a course in which none can disagree, 
and all may be wilhng to unite. 

There is another institution which demands our notice — the 
Prayer-book and Homily Society. In the navy, no means existed 
of distributing the book of Common Prayer among that valuable 
body of men who risk their lives for the defence of their country. 
The society was formed to supply this deficiency. But, indepen- 
dently of this call for its exertions. Prayer-books were generally 
published and circulated at that time, without the insertion of the 
Articles of our Church ; — those Articles which are the appointed 
standard of her doctrine, the guide to her worshippers, and the in- 
tended security against all declensions and corruptions in her 
faith ! As a consequence of this omission, a large portion of her 
members were utterly unacquainted with the very existence of those 
Articles — and a reference to tliem in the pulpit had become a mat- 
ter of rare occurrence. 

We may further observe, tliat not a single copy of the hook of 
Homilies was to he obtained through the viedium of any ex- 
isting society in the Church of England. And yet these very 
Homilies were set forth by authority, originally appointed to be 
read in churches by the ministers diligently and distinctly ; and 
are recognised in the Articles, to which every minister declares 
his solemn assent, as " containing a godly and wholesome doc- 
trine !" When, tlierefore, these necessary bulwarks of our church, 
the Articles which record her faith, and the Homilies which illus- 
trate and enforce it, were thus allowed to remain almost inacces- 
sible, we would ask of every impartial and reflecting mind, whe- 
ther there was not just ground of apprehension that the purity of 
Christian doctrine might be ultimately corrupted ? — whether the 
general tone of preaching in our pulpits at that time, and before 
that time, did not, in many respects, justify that apprehension ? — 
and whether doctrine was not treated as an inconsiderable part of 
Christianity, and practical duties held up as the sum and sub- 
stance of true religion ? At the suggestion, therefore, of Mr. 
Richmond, the book of Homilies was added to the society's original 
object. 

T^ie unpromising state of public feeling, prior to the establish- 
ment of these societies, has already been adverted to. The change 



REV. LEGH RICHMOND. 115 

subsequently produced is obvious to all. We may hence learn an 
Important lesson : — a nation, comparatively speaking, ma}^ be sunk 
in religious apathy : the zeal and piety of churches may lie dor- 
mant, and the prospect may appear dark and lowering. But 
amidst general declensions, some characters are always preserved 
by the power and grace of God from the contaminating effects of 
surrounding lukew^armness ; and it is to their efforts that we must 
look, at such times, for the needed revival. If it be asked, how 
are these efforts to be employed ? We answer, strike the rock, 
and never doubt that the copious stream will issue forth : — use the 
necessary means^ in dependance upon a divine power, and let the 
public mind be roused and excited. Men have intelligence, affec- 
tions, conscience, and capacities of action. These properties may 
grow torpid, but they are not extinguished ; they require only to 
De called into action. Let us deal, then, with men as moral agents. 
Let us address to the under sto.nding, arguments calculated to in- 
form and convince ; — to the heart, what is likely to impress and 
engage its affections ; — and to the conscience^ what is best suited 
to rouse it from its state of torpor. Let us apply the exciting 
principle, and be unwearied in invoking the influences of the Holy 
Spirit, which can alone crown our efforts with success, and God 
" will open rivers in high places, and fountains in the midst 
of the V allies ; he will make the wilderness a pool of water, and 
the dry land springs of water P 

Let churches and states, legislators and prelates, ministers of the 
sanctuary, and individuals in their respective families, adopt this 
principle ; and communities will prosper, churches will revive, and 
the domestic altar will never want a sacrifice, nor God withhold a 
blessing. 

And yet it is this very principle of excitement, as applied to the 
religious institutions of the day, which has been most strongly 
censured. The system of public meetings, the addresses, sermons, 
biblical and missionary tours, have been made the subject of severe 
reprehension by the opponents of these societies. But it is 
this very system which has elicited the moral energies of the 
country, and given one simultaneous and unparalleled impulse to 
all its public institutions. By its direct or indirect tendency, it has 
localized among us every form of charity that can afford an asy- 
lum to distress — to crime, the means of reformation — to ignorance, 
the benefit of instruction— and to penitent guilt, the hope of mercy 
and salvation. And while it has conferred such blessings at home, 
it has procured for our land the honourable appellation of " The 



IIG MEMOIRS OF THE 

Zion of the wliolc earth." It is to the 'publicity of these societies, 
next to their intrinsic value and importance, tliat we are to ascribe 
so hirge a portion of their popularity and success. If they were 
less public, they would be less known ; if they were less known, 
they would be less supported; and if they were less supported, 
thfir enicicncy would be proportionably impaired. An institution, 
to be popular in this country, viust be brought into contact with 
public opinion. The men who conduct it, must be seen, heard, 
known, loved, and respected; the subject of it must be carried 
home to the heart, and descend through all the various grada- 
tions in society ; be as accessible to the poor as to the rich — to 
the unlearned, as to the learned — to the humblest cottage, as to 
the lordly mansion. It will thus secure the patronage and libe- 
rality of the wealthy, the approbation of the wise, and the benedic- 
tion of the poor. These advantages have pre-eminently distin- 
guislied the institutions of which we are speaking; and so long as 
the principle of publicity characterizes almost every undertaking 
of a secular nature, why are religious objects alone to be debarred 
the benefit of this principle, where the application of strong sti- 
mulants is the more necessary, in proportion as the end proposed is 
more momentous, and men are less disposed to appreciate its im- 
portance? 

Hut Mr. Richmond, and others of the clergy who have been 
most active in supporting these institutions, have been charged 
with absenting themselves from their parishes, and have been 
branded with the title of itinerants. Nothing is more easy than 
to use terms of reproach ; but reproach is not argument. The 
real and only question for consideration is, whether Christianity is 
a dispensation, the blessings of which we are commanded to pub- 
lish to all mankind? — whether this object can be accomplished 
without the medium of public societies? and whether public soci- 
eties can be effectively carried on without the agency of public 
advocates; the result of experience is conclusive, that societies of 
this kind, depending only on local means for their support, 
are in the most declining state. Men, too, who are in the habit oi 
contributing their money to a public cause, think, and with justice, 
that they are entitled, in return, to a detail of its operations, from 
those who, by their connexion with the parent institution, and the 
sources to which they have access, are best qualified to communi- 
cate information. Admitting, then, the justness of these remarks, 
from what class are public advocates to be selected ? From among 
laymen or ministers ? The professional habits, experience, and 



REV. LEGH RICHMOND. 117 

education of the latter, evidently constitute them the fittest organs 
of communication lo all religious institutions. How to reconcile 
these public exertions with parochial duties, is, therefore, the only- 
remaining consideration. Let it be observed, then, that every cler- 
gyman is legally entitled to an absence of three months in every 
year, on the presumption that he will provide a proper substitute. 
If, then, a minister, unconnected with public objects, should choose 
to avail himself of this privilege, for the purpose of allowable re- 
creation, or from any other motive, would his conduct be consider- 
ed as affording any reasonable ground for reproach? Why, then, 
should another minister, in the exercise of the same privilege, and 
using the same precautions, be the subject of animadversion, be- 
cause, instead of appropriating the allotted period to a watering 
place, or to any other object, his principles and conscience lead 
him to devote his leisure to the more important claim^s of a reli- 
gious institution. 

Each itinerates; each is occasionally absent from his parish ; — 
with this distinction, that one is occupied with engagements most 
interesting to himself; the other consecrates his time, his talents, 
and his strength, to the service of the cause of God, and leaves for 
awhile the limited, though important scene of his own parish, to 
aid in the dissemination of light and knowledge to the remotest 
regions of the earth. 

Another charge urged, with equal injustice, against these socie- 
ties, is, that they assume an authority with which they are not le- 
gally invested; that they are self -constituted and self-authorized. 
As this accusation has been often and publicly repeated, and may 
seem to have acquired some validity from the occasions on which 
it has been uttered, it must not pass unnoticed. 

The Church Missionary Society, as well as others of recent 
origin in the Established Church, was a voluntary association^ 
founded on the principle, and resting on the basis, of all other 
similar associations ; and, therefore, to impeach one is to impeach 
all, and to strike at the root of every voluntary association through- 
out the kingdom. 

If it be said, that it is its religious character, and its usurpation 
of rights that can only be legally exercised by chartered bodies, 
that forms the real ground of offence ;— this charge will be found 
to militate equally against the claims of another venerable soci- 
ety, which, though aiming at a religious end, nevertheless owes 
its origin to a voluntary association, and possesses no chartered 
right, nor specific legal character, to the present hour. The wea- 



118 MEMOIRS OF THE 

pon, therefore, tliat is raised to assault a foe, may unconsciously 
inflict a wound upon a friend. 

We might rest the question of authority simply on the ground 
of imperious necessity^ which is a law in itself superseding all 
other considerations. The appalling character of the times, th(; 
wants of mankind, and the inadequacy of existing means, loudly 
called for the establishment of these societies. We might also 
urge, that the power and the will to do good constitute the autho- 
rity to do good ; and that, so long as souls are immortal, the first 
duty of christian zeal is to employ means to save them. But we 
content ourselves by referring to an authority against which there 
is no appeal — the authority of public opinion; that public opinion 
which exercises its vigilant control over all human proceedings; 
which legislates both for Governments and Churches; and erects 
a tribunal, to the decisions of which the throne and the altar are 
alike compelled to be ultimately subject. To arraign, therefore, 
these public institutions, is, in fact, to arraign public opinion, 
which has decided that they were needed, and has thought proper 
to sanction them by its support ; and so long as it honours them 
witli such tokens of its confidence, and makes them the deposito- 
ries of its bounty, it surely becomes a paramount obligation to ful- 
fil the trust. To act otherwise, would be to shrink from a duty, 
while in possession of the means of performing it ; to alienate a 
friend, perhaps without the hope of gaining an enemy. It is to 
withdraw, when success encourages us to advance ; and to sound 
a retreat, with the pledges of spiritual conquest in our hands. It 
is to commit a double fraud; a fraud on those at ho7ne, who are 
willing to give ; — and on those abroad, who are no less willing to 
receive. It is to abandon scenes of labour which God has specially 
honoured with his blessing; and to extinguish the light of the Gos- 
pel where it has began to shed its dawn, with the glorious and ani- 
mating prospect of shining more and more unto the perfect day." 

We lament any disposition to depreciate societies, w^hich confer 
so much lustre on the present age, and which are so eminently 
calculated to uphold the moral dignity of our Church, and to ex- 
tend its usefulness. The period no longer exists, when the name 
alone of the Church of England was sufficient to inspire respect 
and homage. Prescriptive rights are vanishing; the paitition 
wall is thrown down-, and henceforth we must appeal, not to the num- 
ber and extent of our immunities, but to the utility of our services, 
and the excellency of our principles. In the present day, every 
tiling is undergoing the solemn ordeal of public opinion. To oppose 



REV. LEGH RICHMOND. 119 

its decisions is unwise in policy, impracticable in its object, and 
highly injurious to the Church, the interests of which we profess 
to promote. We may plead zeal in her cause, but zeal without 
charity is intolerance; and prejudices, which are blameable in all, 
are criminal in the minister of Christ. We may think that we thus 
are doing God service, and at the same time be fighting against him. 
We would earnestly call, then, on the members of our own com- 
nmnion, and especially on the younger clergy, (while in the vi- 
gour of their strength, and their full capacity for usefulness,) to 
imbibe the spirit of the age in which they live ; to co-operate in 
these truly Christian eftbrts, and to recognize the finger of God in 
their design and progress. Nor can we refrain from expressing 
the ardent wish, that prejudices may be removed, dissensions 
cease, and that all Christian people would offer up unceasing prayer 
to the Almighty, for his spirit to become the workman of this 
mighty machinery, unto his own glory, and the moral regenera- 
tion of mankind. " Ye that make mention of the Lord, keep not 
silence, and give him no rest, till he establish, and till he make Je- 
rusalem a praise in the earth." 



(^APTER IX. 

Jfts annniversary sermon for the Church Missionary Society — Meeting at Bedford^ 
in behalf of the Jews — Bedfordshire Bible Society — Tours for the Jewish and 
Church Missionary Societies — Extracts from his Journals — Success of these tours — 
Their influence on the general interests of religion — On his own personal improve- 
Tnent — On that of his parish and family. 

We have before alluded to the anniversary sermon, preached by 
Mr. Richmond for the Church Missionary Society, in May, 1809. 
It is much to be lamented that one so capable of contributing to 
the stock of valuable theological discourses, should have composed 
only three sermons for the press ; two of them published during 
his residence in the Isle of Wight, and the third, which we 
now propose to consider, after his removal to Turvey. This defi- 
ciency is one of the consequences of extempore preaching ; and 
ministers of acknowledged talents and usefulness would do well U 
remember, that they owe to the church some lasting memorials ol 
their pastoral labours, and of their zeal for the general interests of 
religion. 

Mr. Richmond received many urgent representations from the 
writer, on this subject; but his unceasing engagements, his exten- 



120 MEMOIRS OF THE 

sive correspondence, and the more immediate claims of duty, were 
always pleaded in excuse. An examination of his missionary 
sermon will enable the reader to form some judgment of his 
powers of composition, and will also afford an illustration of his 
sentiments on the important subject of missions. 

His text is taken from John xxi. 16 — " He saith unto him again, 
the second time, ' Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me ?' He saith 
unto him, * Yea, Lord, thou knowest that I love thee.' He saith 
unto him 'Feed my sheep.' " Commenting on these words, he 
briefly describes the peculiar interest and solemnity of the occa- 
sion ; — the question proposed : " Lovest thou me ?" The answer 
given : " Yea, Lord, thou knowest that I love thee." The suc- 
cessive repetition of the question, and Peter's asseveration, " Lord, 
thou knowest all things, thou knowest that I love thee ;" and tlie 
final command of the Saviour, obedience to which is the test of the 
sincerity of the profession : " Feed my slieep." The motive of 
love to Christ is deduced as the only adequate and scriptural stim- 
ulus to missionary exertion ; and the commandment given, to feed 
his flock, declares the nature and object of the duty required. The 
application of the whole to ourselves is inferred from the com- 
mission given to Peter and the apostles, as the representatives of 
tlie Church Universal to the end of time ; and from the fact, that 
general exhortations, founded upon Christ's general promises to 
his church, admit of no limitation, either of time or place. He 
next inquires— 

Who are the sheep of Christ ? 

}yhy ought they to be fed ? 

When 7 

By whom 7 

With what food must they be fed, nourished, and supported ? 

We pass over the first three as obvious in their meaning. 

In answering the inquiry — "who shall be the missionaries?" he 
observes, " the shepherds whom you set apart to this honourable 
labour of feeding and nourishing souls for Christ, must be men 
who love Christ for the salvation which he hath wrought in their 
own souls ; men, who ' feel in themselves tlie working of the 
Spirit of Christ, mortifying the works of the flesh, and their earthly 
members, and drawing up their mind to high and heavenly 
things.' {Art. 17.) They must be men, not of warmth and zeal 
alone, but of solidity, patience, and perseverance ; men who, like 
their Lord, can endure the contradiction of sinners. For the 
most part, it is not so often men of extensive learning, of genius, 



REV. LEGH RICHMOND. 121 

and superior literary talents, who are wanted, as men of simplicity 
and sincerity ; men of prayer and meditation ; men who so love 
Christ, as to be willing to spend and be spent, for his sake ; men of 
subdued passions and mortified minds, who patiently wait for the 
coming of our Lord Jesus Christ." 

In his next important consideration — "wherewith they are to be 
fed," the following remarks claim the attention of all who are en- 
gaged in the cause of missions. 

" Preach Christ, as a free, full, perfect, and all-sufficient Sa- 
viour to the greatest of sinners. The sheep of Christ, whether at 
home or abroad, will hear and know their own good Shepherd's 
voice, and none other. Proclaim as from the house-top, ' that God 
commendeth his love towards us, in that, while we were yet sin- 
ners, Christ died for us ;' and thus accomplished that wonder of 
men and angels, ^ that God might be just, and the justifier of the 
sinner which believeth in Jesus.' 

" Preach to them the blood of Christ ; its atoning and cleansing 
power. Send over your missionary shepherds, to feed the flock of 
Christ among the heathen, with the wholesome bread and the pure 
water of life. We must not trifle in this matter. It is the cause 
of God and truth. Mingle therefore nothing with their food ; 
disguise it not with any self-accommodating explanations. It is 
not the equivocal language of a mere fashionable profession of 
the Gospel, tpit will convey the word and substance of salvation 
to the soul 01 either a nominal Christian, or a real heathen. 

" Let tb'^ nemisphere of light, which is to burst upon the dark 
mountains where now the heathen sheep are scattered, be unsul- 
lied and without a cloud. Be ye pastors according to God's heart, 
and feed them with knowledge and understanding. Christ living, 
Christ obeying, Christ dying, Christ risen, Christ ascended, and 
Christ interceding for sinners : this is the true bread of life. Our 
commission to feed his sheep runs thus : ' Go ye and teach all na- 
tions, baptising them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, 
and of the Holy Ghost.' Hence the love of the Father, in giving 
sinners to Christ ; the love of the Son in dying for their redemp- 
tion ; and the love of the Spirit, in sanctifying and preparing 
them for glory, are the grand themes for Christian meditation. 
When these invaluable truths are enforced in a practical and ex- 
perimental manner, the sheep of Christ are truly fed, according to 
their good Shepherd's design and commandment ; and so sliall tliey 
live and prosper." 

In illustration of the foregoing remarks, he quotes the following 

11 



MEMOIRS OF THE 

testimony of Johannes, a converted heathen, who also became a 
blessed witness of the truth, to liis own nation. The circumstance 
is recorded in the liistory of the missions of the United Brethren 
amoni^ tlie Indian nations of Nortii America. 

"Brethren, I have been a heathen, and have ^rown old amongst 
them : therefore I know very well how it is with the heathen, and 
how they think. A preacher once came to us, desiring to instruct 
us ; and began by proving to us, that tlicre-^vas a God. On which 
we said to him, ' Well, and dost thou think we are ignorant 
of that ? Now go back again to the place from whence thou 
camest.' 

"Then again, another preacher came, and began to instruct us, 
saying, ' you must not steal, nor drink too much, nor lie, nor lead 
wicked lives.' We answered him : ' Fool that thou art, dost thou 
think that we do not know that? Go, and learn it first thyself, 
and teach the people whom thou belongest to, not to do those things. 
For w^ho are greater drunkards, or thieves, or liars, than thine own 
people V Thus we sent him away also. 

"Sometime after this, Christian Henry, one of the brethren, 
came to me into my hut, and sat down by me. The contents 6f 
his discourse to me were nearly these : ' I come to thee in the 
name of the Lord of heaven and earth. He sends me to acquaint 
thee, that he would gladly save thee, and make thee happy, and 
deliver thee from the miserable state in Avhich thou liest at pre- 
sent. To this end he became a man, gave his life a ransom for 
man, and shed his blood for man. All that believe in the name 
of this Jesus, obtain the forgiveness of sin. To all them that re- 
ceive him by faith, he giveth power to become the sons of God. 
The Holy Spirit dwelleth in their hearts, and they are made 
free through the blood of Christ, from tlie slavery and dominion 
of sin. And though thou art the chief of sinners, yet if thou 
prayest to the Father in his name, and believest in him as a 
sacrifice for thy sins, thou shalt be heard and saved, and he will 
give thee a crown of life, and thou shalt live with him in heaven 
for ever.* 

" Wlien he liad finished his discourse, he lay down upon a board 
in my hut, fatigued by his journey, and fell into a sound sleep. 
I thought within myself, 'What manner of man is this? There 
he lies, and sleeps so sweetly ; — I might kill him, and throw him 
into the forest, and who would regard it ? But he is unconcern- 
ed J — \\\'\3 cannot be a bad man ; he fears no evil, not even from us, 



REV. LEGH RICHMOND. 123 

who are so savage j but sleeps comfortably, and places his life in 
our hands.' 

" However, I could not forget his words ; they constantly re- 
curred to my mind ; even though I went to sleep, yet I dream- 
ed of the blood which Christ had shed for us. I thought, ' this 
is very strange, and quite different from what I have ever heard.' 
So I went and interpreted Christian Henry's words to the other 
Indians. 

"Thus, through the grace of God, an awakening took place 
among us. I tell you, therefore, brethren," said he, " preach to the 
Heathen, Christ, and his blood, his sufferings, and his death, if you 
would have your words to gain entrance among them ; if you wish 
to confer a blessing upon them.' "* 

But the passage in Mr. Richmond's sermon which produced the 
strongest impression upon his hearers, was the following : — 

"I stand before you this day, as an ambassador for Christ, in 
the cause of those who are ready to perish. In his and their name, 
I beseech you to hear me, while I propose a few considerations to 
your attention. 

* " Consider the state of the world, its empires, nations, kindreds, 
and tribes. When a map of the world is presented to the eye, 
with what a variety of affections is it viewed, according to the 
character and pursuits of the inspector ! 

" The mere statesman diligently examines the magnitude, posi- 
tion, and boundaries of other countries, with a sole reference to 
the political aggrandizement of his own. Wars, conquests, trea- 
ties, alliances, and a multitude of considerations connected with 
ambition, power, and national honour, dictate and accompany all 
his speculations on the map. And then he has done with it, and 
lays it down. 

" The merchant takes up the map, and eagerly traverses the de- 
lineation of seas, continents, and islands, with anxious inquiry as 
to the pecuniary profit and loss, trade and merchandise. His 
thoughts are absorbed in considering how much may be gained by 
his speculations to some distant island or foreign shore. He medi- 
tates on the track of his vessel upon the ocean, marks its course 
upon the hazardous waves, and is full of agitation with respect to 
its fate. There is his golden treasure, and his heart is there also. 

* See Crantz's History of the Greenland Mission, a most interesting- publi- 
cation : in which Mission the preaching of the Crosslcd to a g-eneral awaken- 
ing of the Greenlandcrs, after the preliminary truths of religion had been 
broug^ht before them nearly eig^htcen years with little or no effect. 



124 MEMOIRS OF THE 

As he views the map, he conjectures, hopes, fears ; and, with much 
solicitude, contemplates his future gains, or dreads impending 
losses. The map is again laid down, and he has done with it. 

" The curious traveller takes up the map of the world, and is 
occupied with the remembrance or anticipation of the various 
customs, manners, dresses, languages, buildings, and ceremonies ; 
with a long list of wonders and amusements that have engaged his 
attention. In such a way his imagination travels over the whole 
globe ; and then this man's contemplations on the map are like- 
wise concluded. 

''The natural philosopher investigates the various productions 
of this diversified globe with another object. Theories of the 
earth's formation ; the animal, vegetable, and mineral kingdoms, 
the origin of volcanoes, the cause of earthquakes, the variation ol 
the magnetic needle, all afford him endless subjects of examination. 
Every continent, sea, climate, and zone, which the map presents 
to his eye, furnishes him with matter for inquisitive speculation : 
and then, he has done with it also. 

'' But, when the Christian beholds the world's map, he has a 
subject of investigation far beyond them all. What they have 
overlooked and disregarded, is every thing to him. His great in- 
quiry is, ' Shew me the visible kingdom of Christ : name the coun- 
tries where Christ is known and worshipped. Oh ! when shall 
tlie kingdoms of this world become the kingdoms of our Lord and 
of his Christ ? When shall the Heathen fear the name of the 
Lord? 

" As his eye traverses the globe, he sighs over the awful con- 
trast which its different portions exhibit. His own soul loves 
Jesus, the Saviour of men. But how small a part of those immense 
tracts of country which the map presents to his view, so much as 
know whether tliere be any Christ ! What nations immersed in 
Ileathenisli idolatry ! How many overrun with the tyrannical 
superstition of Mahomet ! Yea, where even the name of Christ 
is professed, how many are sunk into the deep mire of Popish 
corruption, or virtual infidelity ! How small a portion seems as 
yet to belong to Christ ! 

" He mourns over the prospect, but does not lay down the map 
and think no more of it. Again and again he takes it up, prays for 
the sheep of Christ in distant lands, recommends their case to God, 
and meditates plans for their deliverance. He surveys the vast 
continents of Asia and Africa, and for the most part it seems to be 
darkness visible. Then he looks for his native island at home, en- 



REV. LEGH RICHMOND. 125 

deared to him by a thousand considerations, but most endeared on 
account of the Gospel light with which she is blessed. And shall 
not the rays of that light soon be diffused, as from a centre, to all 
the surrounding world ? Doth not a voice from above, in an 
especial manner, say unto Britons, 'Go ye into all the world V 
Wherefore ? Only for political aggrandizement — for merchan- 
dise — for travelling recreation — for collecting of philosophical 
rarities? Are these your only objects? No; saith the Word, 
' Go ye into all the world, and preach the Gospel to every 
creature !' 

" From such a meditation on the map the Christian retires, not 
to slumber over the convictions of duty ; not to say much, and do 
nothing. He freights a vessel to carry the pearl of great price to 
those who neither know of its existence nor its value. The mis- 
sionary is on board the ship. The messenger of God is crossing 
the seas ; not, as formerly, to make the Ethiopians afraid, but to 
proclaim the glad tidings of salvation to the Heathen, to preach 
the Gospel to the poor, to heal the broken-hearted, to preach deliver- 
ance to the captives, and recovering of sight to the blind. Whilst 
the Christian, at home, who has been the instrument of sending 
him forth on this errand of love, anxiously waits to hear the 
happy news, that Dagon is fallen upon his face to the ground 
before the ark of the Lord ; that Bel boweth down, and Nebo 
stoopeth, while the great trumpet is blown ; and that they which 
were ready to perish in the land of Assyria, and the outcasts in the 
land of Egypt, are now worshipping the Lord in his holy mount. 

" O ye statesmen, merchants, travellers, and philosophers, take 
up your maps once more. 

"Again consider the state of the church ; and if you love Christ, 
feed his sheep." 

The collection on this occasion amounted to 331 Z. Is, being the 
largest sum ever contributed at any of the anniversaries of the 
Church Missionary Society. 

Mr. Richmond's exertions in behalf of the religious societies, 
began, from this period, to form a very prominent feature in his 
life. His journals, some of which we mean to lay before the reader, 
will discover an extraordinary degree of zeal and labour, such as 
few men would attempt to equal, and fewer have ever exceeded. 
His correspondence at the same time will show, that so far from 
sacrificing parochial or family duties to his more public exertions, 
he was most strictly conscientious in the observance of tliem. We 
readily admit, that incessant occupation in the service of the public, 

11* 



126 MEMOIRS OF THE 

may prove a serious interruption to the due discharge of private 
obligations, and that personal piety may be endangered by the ex- 
citement and distraction of public engagements. Mr. Richmond, 
however, formed an exception to the too prevailing effect of popu- 
larity. So far from being injured by his exertions abroad, they 
seemed to invigorate and fit him for the better discharge of his du- 
ties at home ; and his return from these missionary tours was 
ever accompanied with some signal revivals in his church and 
family. 

In the year 1810, an Auxiliary Society was formed for the coun- 
ty of Bedford, to co-operate with the London Society for promo- 
ting Christianity among the Jews. Extempore addresses were at 
that time so unusual, that few persons were either willing or able 
to trust themselves beyond a very brief and limited expression ol 
their sentiments ; and the writer well remembers his own nervous 
agitation even when, having declined to take a more prominent 
part in the business of the day, the less difficult office of moving a 
vote of thanks to the chairman was assigned to him. The feehngs 
of many others, he believes, were much of the same description. On 
Mr. Richmond, therefore, by unanimous consent, devolved the task 
of explaining the object of the meeting; in doing which, he en- 
tered so fully and with so much ability, into the past and present 
history of the Jews — the obligations of the Christian world to 
that remarkable people for the fidelity with which they had trans- 
mitted the sacred text — their claims on our gratitude and humani- 
ty — the manner in which those claims had been requited, and the 
guilt of past neglect — the lost and degraded state of the Jews, 
contrasted with the splendour of their future hopes — that one 
would have supposed he had made this cause the exclusive subject 
of his studies, so ample was the knowledge he displayed, and the 
fluency with which he communicated it. 

A similar meeting was aftervvards held at Kettering, in North- 
amptonshire, which Mr. Richmond addressed with equal ability. 
He preached also, in behalf of the Society, at All Saints' Church, 
Northampton, to a very large congregation. 

The circumstance that next claims our attention, is the forma- 
tion of the Bedfordshire Bible Society, in the autumn of 1811 
The recollections connected with this event will not easily be obli- 
terated. The presence of Christians of all denominations, assem- 
bled for the first time in that district, within the memory of man, 
to promote, by their united energies, an object equally dear to all 
— the dignity and cordiality with which His Grace the Duke of 



REV. LEGH RICHMOND. 127 

Bedford, the president, declared his approbation of the catholic 
spirit and enlarged benevolence of the undertaking — the interest- 
ing and impressive communications of the three Secretaries of the 
Parent Society, the Rev. John Owen, the Rev. J. Hughes, and the 
Rev. Dr, Steinkopff— the animated and powerful speech of the latfi 
Samuel Whitbread, Esq., the Christian character of the respective 
addresses, and the spirit of harmony and peace Vv^hich pervaded the 
meeting, awakened in every bosom the purest and most exalted 
emotions. It was like the meeting of Esau and Jacob, who, after 
years of mutual alienation and distrust, forgot all past animosities, 
and fell on each other's neck, with mutual tears and embraces. 

The public meeting at Bedford was attended with important 
results : the Huntingdonshire and Northamptonshire Bible Socie- 
ties owed their origin to the interest excited on that occasion. In 
the establishment of the above society, and in organizing county 
branches, at Luton, Leighton, Dunstable, Woburn, Ampthill, Big- 
gleswade, &e. Mr. Richmond took an active part ; and was, sub- 
sequently, in the habit of attending their anniversaries, and not 
unfrequently those also that were held in the adjoining county of 
Northampton. 

We now proceed to notice other labours of Mr. Richmond in the 
Jewish and missionary cause, in different parts of the kingdom: 
his own journals will best illustrate their character, as well as their 
beneficial effects. We select the following : — 

Extracts from a Journal of a Tour in 1814. 

" August 8. Left Turvey at five in the morning. Dined at 

C n, with dear J s. The savoury sweetness and friendly 

cordiality of his conversation was, as it ever must be, delightful 
and edifying. Arrived at Leicester, at eight in the evening, and 
slept at my friend Mitchell's.* There I used to converse with 
dear Father Robinson. How solemn and interesting does death 
render past recollections ! Leicester cannot but mourn the loss of 
such a man. He was father, friend, pastor, counsellor, and preach- 
er, in an eminent degree. Peace and veneration be to his memory ! 

" — 9. Met Mrs. B., who informed me of the most distressing 
death of Mr. J., of London. I felt deeply affected. Lord, what is 
man ! who can tell to what depths even God's children may be 

* The vicar of St. Mary's, Leicester, and the successor to Mr. Robinson. 
The sudden decease of this much respected character is a subject of sincere 
reojTet to all his friends. 



128 MEMOIRS OF THE 

brought? I was glad to learn that he was granted time and space 
for repentance, and recovery of mind. May we all hear and fear. 
The Lord be merciful to his interesting family. In the evening I 
preached for the Jews, at St. Mary's church. A noble congrega- 
lion. My text was Matt. x. 8. I found much freedom in speak- 
ing, and thoujiiit God seemed to he in the midst of us. Very many 
clergymen and dissentimj ministers were present. The collection 
was 41Z. 135. The Lord keep me humble, simple-minded, and 
single-eyed. 

^^ Aug. 10. Proceeded to Derby and Matlock: delighted with 
the High Tor ; resolved on its being my text, in illustration of 
Dent, xxxii. 4. Congregation, and evening, quiet, calm, and in- 
teresting. The beauty of this place increases, to my apprehension, 
every time I revisit it. Blessed be the Rock of salvation ! I re- 
turned to M. B. by late twilight. The scene exquisitely fine. 
God made all these beauties ! May I see Jlim in them ! 

" — 11. Went to Bonsai. It is one of the most interesting, ro- 
mantic spots, I ever saw ; — it far exceeds description. The church 
and churchyard are remarkably interesting. In the evening, 
preached for the Jews, from Prov. iii. 27. Collection — 15Z. 125. 
I had not so much freedom as sometimes, bat felt calm and hope- 
ful. The character of this picturesque, sequestered village, on the 
opposite side of Masson (Hill) from Matlock, is beautiful, wild, rich, 
and engaging in the extreme. 

" — 12. Early in the morning, I went into the beautiful and 
romantically-situated churchyard, and meditated near an hour. 
Here is a remarkably fine yew tree. In the evening I received an 
invitation to preach for the Jews on Sunday morning, at Alfreton. 
I returned to Bonsai, and, at my friend Maddock's desire, addressed 
a large number of young people in the cliurch, who are under in- 
struction for an approaching confirmation by the bishop. It was a 
pleasing sight, and, I hope, a profitable time. How gracious is 
God to body, soul, and spirit ! 

" — 14. {Sunday.) We set off for Alfreton. I preached for 
the Jews, from John iv. 22. Collection — 15/. 13^. Returned to 
Bonsai ; preached from Psalm viii. 2. A church completely filled ; 
many visitors from Matlock. It was a delightful opportunity ; the 
Lord seemed to be present, amidst a worshipping and listening peo- 
ple. Such a congrejiation, in so romantic and beautiful a situation, 
is a rare and interesting sight. Returned to the hotel to supper; 
had some very profitable conversation with Mrs. B., who has been 



REV. LEGH RICHMOND. 129 

an authoress. How desirable to endeavour to introduce something 
for God at these public places. 

" Aug. 16. Manchester. Preached at St. Stephen's, Salford, for 
the National schools, from Psalm xlviii. 12 — 14. 

" — 18. Rose early, and thought over a plan of sermon for 
night. After breakfast, went to meet the Ladies' Auxiliary Com- 
mittee for the Jews. Gave an address, and found the opportunity 
peculiarly interesting. It was then fixed that the annual public 
meeting for the Jewish society should be held on Wednesday, 
August 31, and that I should preach at St. Clement's on the pre- 
ceding evening. Went to Oldham, where I preached for the Jews, 
from Bom. xi. 12. Collection— 21Z. 16^. Id. Preached with un- 
usual freedom, particularly as it concerned the word ^ reconciling.' 
The presence of God was not, I trust, wanting among us. 

" — 21. (Sunday.) Preached for the Jews at the parish church 
of Halifax. It is a remarkably fine old building. Collection — 19?. 
The day extremely wet. In the afternoon I preached at Trinity 
church, in the same town ; a very large congregation. Collection — 
34Z. My morning text Avas, Psalm cii. 12, 13. Afternoon, Psalm 
cxxii. 6. I deeply felt my subject. Immediately after the second 
sermon, Mr. C. and I set off for Huddersfield. The road very fine 
and interesting — the evening wet. We arrived at the Rev. Mr. 
C.'s, and were invited to sleep at Mrs. W.'s near Huddersfield. 
The congregation at the church was immense. The Methodist 
chapel was shut up. The sight of such an assembly filled me with 
desire and affection. I preached from Pom. xi. 15, with great 
comfort. The occasion was in every way interesting. Collection 
— 71 Z. One person had put into the plate two guineas, wrapped 
in a ten pound note ! As soon as the service was over, the organ 
and choir suddenly began the grand Hallelujah Chorus, and exe- 
cuted it well. The effect was sublime, and affected me much. 

" — 22. At eleven, held a public meeting, for the formation 
of a Huddersfield society for the Jews. It was numerously at- 
tended, and went off very well. I was requested to preach a lec- 
ture at the church to-morrow evening. Had an interesting con- 
versation with an old man in the factory, about the sermon of last 
night. 

" — 23. Preached the promised lecture at Huddersfield church, ^ 
from Eph. iii. 17 — 19 : a very fine congregation, although an ex- 
ceedingly wet night. Felt earnest in my subject, and went through 
it with much solemn feeling. The character of this whole family 



130 MEMOIRS OF THE 

wliere I now am, is liighly interesting. Such new friendships are, 
indeed, among the mercies of God to travelling pilgrims. 

" Aug. 24. Set off for Halifax. Preached to a very large congre- 
gation at the old parish church, from Ifeb. xiii. 8. 

" — 25. Went to Bradford. Met a very friendly and agreeable 
party of friends to the Jews, at Mr. F.'s. It was resolved to hold 
a meeting of the association at Bradford, on Saturday morning. 
Preached in the evening at Rothwell, for the Jews, to a good con- 
gregation. 

" — 27. Set off for Bradford. Attended the public meeting: 
a very large assembly. Mr. S. made an excellent and argumenta- 
tive speech. The venerable vicar was present. All went off well. 
We dined with Mr. F. ; the party numerous, spiritual, and edify- 
ing. The conversation very interesting. Returned to Leeds, and 
by the way examined the fine ruin of Kirkstall Abbey. It is 
highly grand and beautiful. 

" — 28. (Sunday.) Awoke with anxiety respecting the ser- 
mons of the day, having three to preach at different churches, in 
the same town (Leeds.) Went in the morning to St. Paul's, the 
church of the late Rer. Miles Atkinson. I preached for the Jews, 
from Bo?n. xi. 30, 3L Found myself strengthened. Collection — 
49/. Dined with Mr. H. In the afternoon, preached at St. John's, 
for the Jews, from Psalm cii. 12, 13. Preached with more satis- 
faction than in the morning, and felt much for the souls of those 
present. Collection — 22Z. Drank tea at Mr. H.'s, and in the 
evening preached at St. John's, from Matt. x. 8 : a very fine con- 
gregation indeed. I preached with great freedom to my own feel- 
ings, both as to argument and appeal. My heart was much en- 
gaged in considering the great work of the ministerial calhng. 
Singing very grand and impressive. Collection — 31 Z. In all, 
above 100/. during the day. I have reason to be very thankful to 
God, for the help and strength with which I was enabled to pursue 
my course this day. 

" — 29. Went to tlie public meeting at the Music-hall, for 
forming a Ladies' Society. Many excellent speeches were made, 
which rendered the meeting peculiarly interesting. After dinner, 
went to Birstall, and preached for the Jews, from Rom. x. 1. 
The church is singularly venerable in architecture, and picturesque 
in character. It was full in the extreme. Collection — 17/. 

" — 30. Arrived at Manchester just in time to preach at St. 
Clement's church, from Gen. xvii. 5, on the united influence of 
Jewish and Heathen missions on each other. Afterwards, pre- 



REV. LEGH RICHMOND. 131 

pared papers for a meeting next morning. I felt my mind much 
affected, while enlarging on the above view of the question. 

" Aug. 31. Held the anniversary meeting of the Auxiliary Socie- 
ty. Numerous attendance. Preached in the evening at Stanley- 
bridge chapel, from John iv. 22. Collection— 18Z. 6s. Was struck 
with seeing a monument of the Rev. John Ken worthy, aged thirty- 
four. He was a college friend, and I did not know what was be- 
come of him. In the midst of life we are in death ! 

" Sept 1. Found many letters. One from my dear wife, 
which I answered. Children all well at home. O, how merciful 
is God ! I have laboured much this last fortnight, but am in no 
respect the worse, and in many the better for it. And so may he 
ever give his beloved rest, not from, but in labour. The harvest 
is plenteous, but the labourers are few. The importance of such 
a work as I am engaged in, appears daily more and more in its ef- 
fects on individuals, places, and districts. May the Master, whom 
I serve, give me strength according to my day, and use me for his 
own glory, and the good of the church of Christ, where, when, 
and how he pleaseth ! 

" — 2. Stayed in the house all day. Endeavoured to collect 
some matter for my missionary sermons. Had an hour's conver- 
sation with the pious and exemplary Mrs. C. of Stockport. Spent 
a comfortable day with my mother and aunt. Sat up, before I 
went to bed, and meditated on the blessings which God had mer- 
cifully bestowed on me, in giving me so valuable a wife, and so 
many dear children. I then prayed for them, and retired to rest. 

" — 3. Made two skeletons for Church Missionary sermons, to 
be preached at Buxton, to-morrow. Proceeded thither. Scenery 
lovely. Buxton completely full. My sermon here is an arduous 
task. God give me strength to go through it to his glory ; fear- 
less of men, and anxious for their spiritual welfare. I find that 
ladies are to collect at the church to-morrow. 

" Sept. 4. {Sunday.) Rose early, to prepare for my day's work. 
Went to the new and beautiful chapel. A large congregation of 
genteel people. I preached from Luke xix. 42. for the Jews. — Col- 
lection — 44Z. 4^. I enjoyed sufficient freedom from fear, so as to 
be rendered comfortable. Ladies collected from pew to pew, sup- 
ported by gentlemen. Went immediately afterwards to Bakewell, 
where I preached for the Church Missionary Society, from Rom. iii. 
29. Collection— 17Z. \2s. 2d. From thence I went to Yeolgrave, 
where I preached for the same cause, from Matt. ix. 37, 38. Col- 
lection — IIZ. lis. 5d. 



132 MEMOIRS OF THE 

" Sept. 5. Rose early, and was struck witli the singularly beautiO 
ctfect of the morning foi,' or dew, rolling, or rather reposing in flak( ' 
and masses on the valley seen from my window. The hills arouiifl 
me were clear, the sun shining, the objects in some parts of the 
valley beginning to appear. At length, all became clear and unin- 
terrupted. The whole was highly interesting. Went through the 
beautiful valley. Saw a comment on my text of last night: a larscc 
tract of harvest land^ and one solitary person reaping it ! No- 
ticed a sublime and interesting mass of rocks ; their shape, form, 
and character, worthy of the minutest attention. Wild, unfre- 
quented, and romantic, in the liigliest degree. Within them is a 
hermit's cave, on the wall of which some pious artist has sculp- 
tured a crucifix. Meditation has here scope for boundless action — 
scenic, spiritual, sublime, and beautiful. 

" — 6. Received a letter from my dear wife. All well, God 
be praised. Preached at Chapel en le Frith, from Fom. i. 16. for 
Church Missionary Society. Collection — 15/. 16^. \d. Slept at 
the inn. Mercies still follow me. Bless the Lord, O my soul ! and 
all that is within me bless his holy name! 

" — 7. Preached a lecture at Yeolgrave. Experienced a mark of 
very kind attention from one of the Duke of Rutland's household. 
Went to Matlock, to preach there. Met Mr. and ISIrs. Kemp, and 
Rev. Mr. and Mrs. Saunders. Returned, after service, with Lady 
Elizabeth Percival and Mrs. Childers; and had much Ciiristian 
conversation, as we passed tlirough the rocks on the romantic road 
by moonlight. 

'^ — 9. Attended a meeting of ladies and gentlemen, for the 
Cliurch Missionary Society. Messrs. Kemp, Saunders, Gell, Mad- 
dock, and myself, spoke. The collection, including two donations 
of ten guineas each, from Lady E. Percival, and the Hon. Mrs. 
Childers, after my sermon last night, amounted to 40Z. 95. Qd. 
This first incursion into the very heart of a watering-place is an 
excellent beginning, and promises well. We met at the dining- 
room, just underneath the romantic rocks ; shrubs, trees, river, &c. 
opposite. I was reminded of Salvator Rosa's picture of John the 
Baptist preaching in the wilderness. 

*^— 10. Breakfasted at Bonsai; then read, wrote, and medi- 
tated for to-morrow. The Lord of grace and glory help me in my 
work, and bless it to me, a poor sinner, while I preach for and 
to other poor sinners ! 

''— 11. {Sunday.) Preached in the fine old church, (with its 
most singular and crooked spire,) for the Church Missionary Soci- 



REV. LEGH RICHMOND. 133 

ety, from Mark xvi. 15. Collection— 34Z. Set off for Sheffield. 
Proceeded to the parish church ; congregation computed at 3500. 
Many hundreds unable to get in. I preached jointly (by express 
desire) for the Jews and the Heathen, from Rom. iii. 29. Collec- 
tion — 71 Z. 13^ The Hallelujah Chorus was grand and affecting in 
the highest degree. Much to be thankful for in each of the three 
sermons this day. The collection was said to be the largest ever 
made in this church on any occasion. It is not easy to describe 
or conceive the effect of such a congregation as this at Shef- 
field. 

" Sept. 12. Most hospitably received at Mrs. Walker's. Went to 
see Mr. Walker's great iron-works, near Rotherham. Saw a cannon 
cast, and went through the whole manufactory. It is most inge- 
nious and interesting. Saw the rolling-mill, and manufacture of 
tin plates. Observed on our return in the evening, the effect of the 
many surrounding blazing furnaces. The effect in so fine a night 
is grand and beautiful ; some of the fires on the tops of high hills, 
some on the sides, others in the valleys; — some near, others 
distant. 

" — 14. Framed the plan of a sermon. Expounded at family 
worship, from Malachi iii. ; and explained the Refiner's process, 
from what we had seen the day before. Preached at Rotherham 
church, for the Church Missionary Society. Text, Matt, xxviii. 
19, 20. A fine congregation. Collection — 33Z. lis. \0d. Dear 
Maddock read prayers. Numerous proofs hourly occur of the use- 
fulness of my missionary labours, wherever we travel. Surely 
goodness and mercy follow us ! Glory be to God ! 

" — 16. Set out for Doncaster. Went to Selby. Preached for 
the Church Missionary Society. Collection— 13Z. 145. \0d. The 
congregation good and attentive. My excellent friend Maddock 
accompanied me. Before I retired to rest, felt peculiarly earnest 
in prayer for my beloved wife and children. O ! for the Lord to 
crown them with his mercies, temporal, spiritual, and eternal ! 

" — 17. Passed, this day, through the village of Wilberforce, 
on my way to Knaresborough. It pleased me to think of my boy. 

« — 18. (Sunday.) Preached at Knaresborough Church, for 
the Church Missionary Society, from Ps. xcvi. 9, 10. Collection 
— 30Z. Went immediately to Harewood. The church most beauti- 
ful within. Earl Harewood, Lord and Lady Lascelles, Sir C. 
Stewart, &c. present. I preached from Matt. ix. 36 — 38. Col- 
lection— 29Z. Rev. Mr. H., Rector, and nephew to Earl Hare- 
wood, an estimable character. Earl H. invited me to dinner. 

12 



134 MEMOIRS OF THE 

Collection— 23Z. 175. Returned to Knaresborough, and preached 
from Eph. iii. 17 — 19. for the Church Missionary Society. Col- 
lection — 21/. Enjoyed much peace all day. The house where I 
am is the seat of enlightened piety, of kindness, hospitality, and 
Christian comfort. 

*' Sept. 19. Received a singularly interesting letter from the Rus- 
sian princess, Sophia Metschertski, at St. Petersburgh.* Ex 
plored the romantic and beautiful scenery about Knaresborough. 
Went on to Studley Park. Saw the ruins of Fountain's Abbey ; — 
it far exceeds every thing I have seen or shall see; — imagination 
itself is filled, and more than filled. I went through the long walk 
with that vigour which I only find myself able to exert when I 
travel, and have my mind strongly bent on interesting and ra- 
tional enjoyment. 

" — 25. (Sunday.) Preached in the morning, at St. Paul's, 
Leeds, from Gen. xxii. 18. Collection — 40Z. 35. Dined with Mr. 
H. ; then preached at St. John's, from Eph. ii. 12, 13. Collection 
— 20Z. \Ss. Preached in the evening, at St. James's, from Isa. ix. 
7. In the morning, felt calm and comfortable. In the evening, 
found most enjoyment in my work. The congregation overflow- 
ing — the singing universal — the effect delightful. Missionaries were 
present. How mercifully the Lord carries me through ! — What 
shall I render unto Him for all his benefits. 

" — 26. Attended the public anniversary meeting. Thir- 
teen clergymen spoke. The whole went off excellently. Drank 
tea with a large religious party at Mr. D.'s. All profitable and 
affectionate. The Princess Sophia's letter delights every one that 
hears it. 

" — 27. Preached at Huddersfield, from Ps. xcvi. 10. Church 
crowded in the extreme. I was able to speak with much readiness. 
Collection— 80Z. 

" — 29. Held the anniversary meeting of the Huddersfield 
Association. Preached in the evening at Almondbury, from Matt, 
ix. 37, 38. Collection — 21 Z. Is. A noble congregation. What 
strong testimonials do I daily receive of the extensive usefulness 
of my journey ! Surely God is good indeed, in thus comforting 
ray spirits, amidst many thoughts of anxiety ! 

" Oct. 1. Prepared to leave Woodhouse — a roof under which 
I have met with so much to improve and delight, that I know not 
how to express my gratitude to God and its owners as I ought. 

• This letter v.^ be shortly introduced to the notice of the reader. 



REV. LEGH RICHMOND. 135 

The five daughters gave me 5Z. as an annual subscription for a 
rescued negro child, to be called after Maddock and myself. We 
were requested to plant two trees, as memorials of our visit and 
friendship. M. planted an oak, and I a Portugal laurel. The 
whole interesting family heaped every mark of regard and respect 
upon us. I desire to enter my record of thankfulness and affec- 
tionate pleasure, which this visit and intercourse have excited in 
my heart ; in such things, the Lord is good indeed. Proceeded to 
Bradford. Heard fresh testimonies there to the great use of reli- 
gious tours. 

" Oct. 2. (Sunday.) Preached, in the morning, at Bradford 
church, from Bom. x. 13, 14. A fine congregation. Preached, 
in the afternoon, at the same church, from Matt. ix. 36. A still 
larger congregation. Preached, in the evening, from Bev. xi. 15. 
Overflowing congregation ; I never saw any thing like it — not 
less than 4000, certainly. Three collections — 115Z. Such a day 
— such a church — such a vicar — such life — such attention — such 
liberality — and such general success, are rarely seen. I desire to 
praise God from my heart for the interesting, animating, encou- 
raging scene, it altogether presented. I received the sacrament 
from the hands of the venerable, apostolical, blind vicar. Supped 
and slept at Mr. Fawcett's. 

" — 5. Met my mother at Chesterfield. We travelled together 
to Mansfield. Proceeded to the church. A very fine congregation. 
I preached from Bom. x. 15. Collection — 50Z. I have had great 
heaviness of spirit since Monday night, but I think the Lord has 
blessed me in it. He is good and merciful. 

" — - 6. Travelled to Bonsai, where Maddock found his wife 
and children well. O ! may God grant that I do the same ! 
He has been with me as a Protector all the way, and I will trust 
Him still ! May every tear be wiped from my loved Mary's eyes, 
and may we again meet, with Christian and connubial affection. 
Amen. 

" — 7. Proceeded to Nottingham, where we made arrange- 
ments for a new association, in connexion with the Church Mis- 
sionary Society. 

" — 8. I parted with my friend Maddock, at six o'clock. 
God be with him. He has been an amiable, cheerful, and most 
interesting companion and coadjutor ; I love and esteem him 
from my heart.* Rejoiced greatly in the hope of meeting my 

♦ This excellent man is since departed to a better world, beloved and es- 
teemed by all who knew him. 



138 MEMOIRS OF THE 

dear wife at Crraton. I can truly say that that place where she 
is, is a dear home to iny heart ; and home itself ceases to be home, 
if she is not there. Lord, I bless thee, for having preserved me 
safe through a journey which already exceeds 1160 miles ; and 
may it be crowned by meeting her at last, in love and union 
of soul ! Arrived safe at Creaton, and found my dear wife and 
daughter well. This is a crowning mercy, and shall be accounted 
as such. 

" Oct. 9. Preached, in the morning, at Spratton, from Psalm 
xcvi. 10 ; in the afternoon, at Creaton, from Bom. x. 13 — 15 ; for 
the Church Missionary Society. Collection — 15/. Is. 3d. Passed 
the evening pleasantly and profitably. 

" — 11. We left Mr. Jones's. Dined at Nortliampton, and arrived 
safe at Turvey, at half-past seven o'clock ; — finding the dear chil- 
dren well. What shall I render to the Lord, for all his benefits 
unto me? 

" Thus ends a journey marked by manifold mercies, pleasures, 
useful labours, and gratifying events. Many valuable friendships 
formed ; — religious and personal influence extended ; — the cause 
both of Jews and Heathen furthered ; — knowledge gained, love 
increased, and Christian esteem established and cemented. — Gloria 
Deo in excelsis .'" 

^^ August^ 1815. Commenced a journey for the Jews' and 
Church Missionary Societies. 

" — 24. In passing through Bakewell, went to see Mr. Wat- 
son's geological museum. His arguments and illustrations by 
specimens, in favour of the volcanic origin of the Derbyshire hills, 
strata, &c. are very extraordinary. 

" — 27. Preached at Bolton, to between three and four 
thousand people, for the Sunday schools. Collection — 169/. 12^. 
5(/. A magnificent appearance. The singing was grand and im- 
pressive in the highest degree. Anthems, Handel's Chorusses, &c. 
were sung, and accompanied by trumpets, horns, &c. in a very 
fine style indeed. My mind was much aflfected, and I found con- 
siderable enlargement, though not without much inwgird tempta- 
tion and struggle to the contrary. 

" — 29. Set off from Bolton, northwards. At Preston, saw the 
Rev. Mr. T. and Mr. H. Was much pressed on the subject of 
their Bible meeting. Dined at Garstang, where my grandfather 
was vicar, from about sixty-five to eighty-five years ago. Pro- 
ceeded to Lancaster : saw some noble views in the way. Here I 



REV. LEGH RICHMOND. 137 

caught the first view of the mountains. Arrived at the Rev. Mr. 
H.'s : a delightful family : the grace of God indeed appears here. 
We made arrangements for my preaching at Lancaster, on 
Sept. 10th. 

•' Avg. 30. Went to see Lancaster church and castle. The latter 
is grand in a very high degree. The modern Gothic court-houses 
exceed any thing I have ever seen. The view from thence is 
superb : sea, estuaries, castles, mountains, &c. form a beautiful 
display of scenery. Examined the interior of the castle, visited 
the criminals, &c. Had much affecting information from Mr. H. rela- 
tive to some criminals, executed at various periods. What a pic- 
ture of man does a gaol afford ! — how it reminds me of the saying 
of John Bradford, the reformer, on seeing a criminal taken to the 
place of execution — ' But for the grace of God, there goes John 
Bradford.' 

" Kendal, Sept. 3. Preached for the Jews, in the morning, 
from Mark xvi. 15 ; in the evening, from Psalm li. 18. Met 
many excellent friends at Mrs. R.'s. The whole day most agreea- 
bly and Christianly spent. 

" — 5. An excellent Jews' anniversary meeting at Kendal. 
Every thing went off well. A large dinner-party at Mrs. R.'s, con- 
sisting of Mrs. P. and about twenty other friends. The whole day 
profitably spent. 

" — 6. Mrs. R. and Mr. R. W. set out with me for Bowness. 
Saw Winandermere Lake with astonishment and delight. Pro- 
ceeded to Ambleside, where I had a very pleasing conversation 
with the Bishop of Llandaff. Proceeded through the enchanting 
road by Rydal Water, Grassmere, Leathes Water, Helvellyn, &c. 
to Keswick, whose beauties baffle all description. Our conversa- 
tion was Christian and edifying — all having the greatest enjoyment 
in the scenery and its accompaniments. 

" — 7. Rose early, and walked to examine the beautiful 
mountain of Skiddaw. After breakfast, went round Keswick 
Lake. Saw the Barrow Cascades, Lowdore Water-fall, Borrow- 
dale Falls, Bowder Stone, &c. All beyond my description, or 
previous conception. After dinner, sailed on the Lake, with some 
other friends. All was serene — lovely — delightful ! The Low- 
dore cannon was fired : the echo of the many mountains produced 
a peal of perfect thunder. We sung hymns on the Lake by sun- 
set and moon-light : the effect may be better conceived than 
written. 

" — 8. Set off at six, for Ulleswater: beauty and wonder in 

12* 



138 MEMOIRS OF THE 

profusion. Saw the great mountain of Saddleback, and a Dniidi- 
cal circle of stone. Crossed the Lake of Winanderniere, by the 
west. Exquisite moonlight! Arrived at Kendal at night. Of 
these three days — my companions — my enjoyments, I would 
write, but I cannot ; they have left an indelible trace ; and I bless 
God for the mercy. 

^' Sept. 10. (Sunday.) Went to Tunstal, and preached for the 
Jews. Collection — 20/. 5.9. 3d. Proceeded to Lancaster, and 
preached again for the Jews. Collection — 39Z. Ss. A fine con- 
gregation. Much help from above throughout the day. 

" — IL Dined with dear Mrs. P. at S. Lodge. A most profita- 
ble and spiritual party. It was suddenly proposed after dinner, 
til at I should preach a lecture that night at Lancaster. At two 
hours' notice, about 1000 people were collected. I preached from 
Heb. xiii. 8. 

" — 12. Went to breakfast at Leighton Hall : passed an af- 
fectionate day with my mother and sister. My mother, near 
eighty, walked a mile and a half — God preserve her ! Had much 
religious conversation. 

"—13. Went to C. Hall, the seat of the excellent C. W., Esq. 
Viewed the exquisitely romantic beauties of Kirkby-Lonsdale 
church, church-yard, and bridge. In the evening, expounded the 
23d Psalm to a large company of friends and neighbours. 

" — 14. Left this interesting and most edifying family. Pro- 
ceeded to Knaresborough. Arrived at the friendly house of Mr. 
C. ; and preached the following day, for the Jews, from Luke 
xxiv. 47. Collection— 36/. 18^. 2d. 

^^ Leeds., {Sunday^) Sept. 17. Preached at St. Paul's in the morn- 
ing, for the Heathen. Collection — 46/. In the afternoon at St. 
John's. Collection — 20/. In the evening, at St. James's. Col- 
lection— 29/. Texts, Psalm xcvi. ; Bom. x. ; Psalm Ixxxix. Had 
much support throughout the day. 

" — 18. A delightful anniversary meeting of the Church Mis- 
sionary Society. Mr. Corrie. from India, gave some most interesting 
details respecting that country, Abdool Messee, &c. Many excel- 
lent speeches : great savour and spirituality throughout the whole. 
Dined at Mr. Hey's with Mr. Corrie, &c. 

" — 24. (Sunday.) Preached at St. Stephen's, SaJord, for the 
Sunday schools, from John iii. 14, 15. Very good congregation. 
In the afternoon, preached ajjain for the schools, from Psalm 
lxxii.4. Collection — 70/. Preached in the evening, at St. Cle- 
ment's, from Gen. xii. 1, 2, 3. Congregation overflowing. I find 



REV, LEGH RICHMOND. 139 

by a letter, that Mr. C, of Bradford, has through me, anonymous- 
ly, given 85Z. 135. to the church mission. 

" Sept. 29. Attended the Jewish anniversary. It was rendered 
most interesting by the particulars communicated about a convert- 
ed Jew, Emanuel Lemon, who died at Manchester. I went after- 
wards to the house where he died, and spent two hours in deep 
affection, listening to the simple narratives of facts, from various 
persons, concerning this singular convert. Brought away some 
memorials of him. A very good day indeed. 

'' Huddersfield, Oct, 1. Preached for the Church Missionary 
Society, from Acts xxvii. 23. Collection — 54Z. Church much 
crowded. Preached in the afternoon, at Slathwaite chapel, from 
Mark xvi. 15. Above two thousand persons present. In the 
evening preached at Longwood chapel, from Psalm Ixxxix. 15, 16. 
An immense multitude. Upwards of 80Z. collected at these three 
services. Had a day of great labour and apparent usefulness. 
Was carried through very mercifully, in all the three sermons. I 
hear of good effects from my sermons of last year in this vicinity, 
particularly that at Huddersfield, from Eph. iii., on the love of 
Christ." 

As the remaining parts of this tour refer to places already men- 
tioned in the preceding accounts, we forbear to insert them, though 
they afford ample testimony to the usefulness of his labours. 

The perusal of this journal will probably awaken different re- 
flections, in proportion as the mind is impressed with the impor- 
tance of missionary undertakings. It requires some portion of 
moral elevation justly to estimate the spirit and aim of a man, 
who, to use the words of the venerable Leighton, counted " the 
whole world, in comparison with the cross of Christ, one grand 
impertinence." To those who see not the exalted design of the 
Christian dispensation ; its adaptation to the wants of all mankind, 
and the consequent duty of disseminating its blessed and holy 
truths ; the zeal of Mr. Richmond will appear to have been over- 
charged. But he who faithfully lays before his thoughts, the 
awful and abominable idolatries of his fellow creatures, and con- 
nects these evils with the solemn and affecting declaration of the 
Bible— "the wages of sin is death"— even "the bitter pains of 
eternal death ;"— will, in his own deliverance from them, " count 
all things but loss, for the excellency of the knowledge of Clirist 
Jesus his Lord :" and will burn with a zeal even to his consuming, 
till " all flesh shall see the salvation of God." 



liO REV. LEGH RICHMOND. 

It is evident that these fragments were not intended for the 
public eye. They are the simple details of daily occurrences ; 
designed, perhaps, to interest his family, and to keep alive in his 
own remembrance a sense of the divine goodness. Yet on this 
account, thry may be regarded as the more faithful trana ripts of 
the scenes through which he passed, and of his views respecting 
them. It is impossible to read without prejudice, the facts re- 
corded, and not discern in them the man of God ; — his time spent 
in laborious and incessant occupation ; — a piety fervent, but ra- 
tional ; with less admixture of human infirmity, than may l>e 
found in the diaries of many othor good men ; — a holy elevation of 
spirit in the pursuit and possession of his object, combined with 
deep humility; — a habit of devotion, and increasing personal piety, 
in the midst of almost universal respect and popularity ; — a sense 
of danger, and constant prayer to be pre:?erv'ed from it ; — and what, 
perhaps, is more than all, in the midst of labours, unceasing various, 
and exciting, abroad — a constant eye to the claims at home. 

The editor has no inclination to amplify' the preceding remarks 
on the missionary tours of his friend, except from a desire of ren- 
dering them useful to those excellent men, who are following the 
course in which he took the load. Mr. Richmond needed more re- 
pose than he allowed himself, and shortened his valuable life by 
over-exertion. There is much error in the trite maxim often quo- 
ted, " it is better to wear out than rust out :" for surely, it is a point 
of practical wisdom, to preserve a medium between indolence and 
over-effort : and the editor cannot but consider that exertion be- 
yond the limits assigned to human power is little better than a 
moral suicide. If good men w^re to satisfy themselves of the sin- 
fulness of over-strained activity, they would submit to the rein for 
conscience' sake. It appears, that besides the fatigue of hastening 
from one place to another to fulfil his engao^ements, Mr. Richmond 
generally preached three sermons on the sabbath, and often five or 
six more in the course of the week. His fatigue was also increased 
by the crowded congregations that assembled to hear him. The 
hours which should have been given to a cessation from labour 
were imceasingly occupied in conducting family worship, and con- 
versing at every meal with persons who were invited to meet 
him. On these occasions he took, as was expected, a prominent 
part in the conversation ; which, however useful to others, must 
have insensibly exhausted his strength. The writer, who accom- 
panied him in some of these tours, often expressed a fear that he 
would soon become a wreck in mind and body, as the inevitable 



REV. LEGH RICHMOND. 141 

result of such continued exertions. His reply was generally the 
same, "I am not fatigued ; I do not feel it:" but it was impossible 
not to entertain the apprehension, that imbecility, or a premature old 
age, must ultimately succeed such unceasing and exhausting efforts. 
The political and religious world have had some beacons held out 
to them, from which they might gather an instructive warning, 
and learn to acknowledge the wisdom of a remark made by an 
estimable character, " I labour less, that I may labour the longer;" 
he might have added, " with greater benefit to the church of God, 
in the season of matured experience and ripened judgment." In 
the midst of these multiplied engagements, the writer could not 
refrain from asking his friend, " whence do yot obtain supplies for 
these extraordinary demands ?" Hours of retirement and medita- 
tion are necessary to every Christian ; still more necessary to the 
minister of religion ; and most of all to those who are exposed to 
the temptations and distractions of public life. The largest reser- 
voir will fail, unless it receives continual supplies. Mr. Richmond, 
in these circumstances, felt his need of redoubled watchfulness and 
prayer : he not only rose early in the morning to seek communion 
with the Father of spirits, and retired, as early as circumstances 
allowed, from the converse of man, that he might renew his strength 
in waiting upon God; but it was the constant habit of his mind 
throughout the day, by secret ejaculations, to draw down help from 
above. 

Besides this, he had by previous research collected his materials, 
and by close study had so mastered his subject, that he required 
less time for preparation than most men. He would often arrange 
his ideas for a sermon, as he was travelling to the place where it 
was to be delivered; and the abundance of his resources, together 
with a remarkable facility of utterance, contributed to lessen his 
labour. What most excited surprise, was the diversified manner 
in which he would treat the same subject. An esteemed friend of 
the writer's once assured him, that he w^ent to hear Mr. Richmond 
preach three sermons on one Sunday. He said, he expected there 
would be, of course, a similarity in the discourses ; and yet they 
proved to be as varied as if they had been delivered by three 
different preachers. 

He has been known to have collected in these excursions from 
800Z. to lOOOZ. ; and he once told the editor, that the fruits of one 
of these journeys were not less than 1200/. But though money 
forms the sinews of charit}^ no less than of war, and is indispensa- 
ble to the operations of every society : it was the establishment of 



142 MEMOIRS OF THE 

mifisionary views and 'principles^ the correction of errors^ the 
removal of prejudices^ and the enforcement of the claims of 
Jews and Gentiles on the prayers and benevolence of the Chris- 
tian public, wliich formed one of the most prominent features of 
usefulness in these tours. We may add another, of which he ne- 
ver lost sight, namely, the close connexion of the missionary 
cause with the advancement of personal piety. While he spoke 
of the souls of the Heathen or Jews, he faithfully reminded his 
liearers of their own ; admonished them of their obligation to im- 
prove their Christian privileges; and of the possibility of many, at 
the last day, being admitted " from the east, and from the west, and 
from the north, and from the south," while the children of the 
kingdom might be cast out ! — that nominal Christianity was, after 
all, little better than Heathen ignorance ; while it involved greater 
guilt, and a more tremendous responsibility : — that personal reli- 
gion was one of the best securities for missionary zeal and exer- 
tion ; and that no one was likely ever to be successfully engaged 
in communicating the Gospel to others, who had not first felt its 
power, and experienced its peace in his own heart. 

The writer of tliis Memoir can state, from repeated observation, 
tliat tlie improved tone of moral feeling, and of attachment to the 
distinguisliing truths of the Gospel, wliich is now so perceptible 
throughout the kingdom, may, to a considerable extent, be traced 
to the influence of these, and similar missionary excursions. He 
has often heard his lamented friend observe, in the earlier days of 
these institutions — " the public mind is gradually undergoing a 
great moral revolution. Christians are acquiring more enlarged 
views of the nature of their religion, and the obligation to impart 
it. In communicating it to others, they are increasingly impress- 
ed with its importance to themselves. Ten or twelve leading men 
are doing all the work, and bearing the burden and heat of the 
day. It will be comparatively easy for those who come after us; 
but the prejudice, the opposition, and the conflict of opinion, it is 
ours to encounter; and these difliculties are good for us; for they 
convince us of our own weaknesses, and show the excellency of 
the cause, and the power and strength of God in its success and 
progress." We copy an extract from a letter to his aunt, in which 
the same sentiments are expressed. " Incalculable is the national 
good which is daily springing up from such exertions. It now ap- 
pears capable of demonstration, that the moral wilderness will 
eventually blossom as the rose, through the blessing v.f God on Bi- 
ble and Missionary institutions. The opposition of error and pre- 



REV. LEGH RICHMOND. 143 

judice seems to languish and decay ; while the triumphant career 
of sacred benevolence conveys life, light, peace, and love; and bears 
unequivocal evidence to the universe, that ^ God is with us of a 
truth.' " 

We have already stated, that Mr. Richmond's popularity did not 
appear to exercise an injurious effect on his mind. It must be ac- 
knowledged that ministers of great popular talents are exposed to 
much danger ; particularly from the indiscreet admiration of some 
of their followers, who forget that ministers, like other men, share 
in the common corruptions of fallen nature. But it may be ob- 
served, that the singular simplicity and unfeigned humility of Mr. 
Richmond, was a great preservative from the ensnaring tendency 
of human applause. The writer can declare, from long observa- 
tion of his friend, that no man more uniformly abstained from the 
language of praise towards others, or discouraged it more unre- 
servedly towards himself. 

Those, too, who suppose that engagements of a public nature 
are an unbroken career of success and popularity, are much mis- 
taken. The advocates of a public cause have much to try their 
faith and patience. There are fightings without and fears within ; 
subjects of deep humiliation in their own experience ; and a neces- 
sity for much meekness, to bear with the unreasonable opposition 
of enemies, and the prejudices and mistakes of friends. Their 
divine Master leaves them not without a holy discipline, to keep 
them low at his feet, and humble in their own eyes. 

Mr. Richmond had the habit of connecting every thing with God. 
Every event, pleasurable or painful ; every object in nature, oi 
work of human ingenuity, suggested a subject for devout contem 
plation, and filled his soul with holy affections. He seemed to 
possess, in religion, the secret once attributed to recondite philoso- 
phy; — all he touched became gold, which he converted to his own 
use and to the benefit of others. T^is holy transmutation made 
every place a Bethel, and every object a cause of some pious emo- 
tion ; and thus circumstances, ensnaring in their natural tendency 
were made to him the medium of nearer access to God. 

In illustration of this remark, we quote the following, ' Reflec« 
tions suggested during a Tour in Westmoreland and Lancasliire, 
with two valued friends;' and a poetical effusion, written after 
visiting the grave of Hervey, in Northamptonshire. 

" There is a peculiar sweetness in the recollection of those hours, 
which we have spent with friends of a kindred spirit, amidst the 
beauties of created nature. The Christian can alone find that con- 



144 MEMOIRS OF THE 

geniality in associates, who not only possess a lively and cultivated 
sense of the hi^h beauty which landscape scenery presents to the 
eye ; but who can also see creation's God in every feature of the 
prospect. The painter can imitate, the poet describe, and the tourist 
talk with ecstasy of the sublime and beautiful objects which con- 
stitute the scene before him. But he only can be said to enjoy 
them arijjht, whose talents, taste, and affections, are consecrated to 
the glory of Him by whom ' all things were made, and without 
whom was not any thing made that was made.' When the pen- 
cil that traces the rich and animated landscape of mountains, lakes, 
and trees, is guided by a grateful heart, as well as by a skilful 
hand, then the picture becomes no less an acceptable offering to 
God, than it is a source of well-directed pleasure to the mind of 
man. And when the poet, in harmonious numbers, makes hill 
and dale responsive to his song, happy is it if his heart be in uni- 
son with the harp of David, and if he can call on all created na- 
ture to join in one universal chorus of gratitude and praise. The 
Christian traveller best enjoys scenes like these. In every won- 
der he sees the hand that made it;— in every landscape, the boun- 
ty that adorns it ;— in rivers, fields, and forests, the Providence that 
ministers to the wants of man ;— in every surrounding object, he 
sees an emblem of his own spiritual condition ;— himself a stran- 
ger and a pilgrim, journeying on through a country of wonders 
and beauties ; alternately investigating, admiring, and praising the 
works of his Maker, and anticipating a holy and happy eternity 
to be spent in tlie Paradise of God, where the prospects are eve 
new, and the landscapes never fade from the sight!" 



ON VISITING THE GRAVE OF HERVEY. 

" O ! for the expanded mind that soars on high, 
Ranging atar with Meditation's eye ! 
That cHmbs the heights pf yonder starry road, 
Rising through nature, up to nature's God ! 

" O ! for a heart that seeks the sacred gloom 
Which hovei-8 muiid tlie , recincts of the tomb ! 
While fancy, musing there, sees visions bright, 
In death di^jcovcring life — in darkness light 

" O ! for a soul to trace a Saviour's power, 

In each sweet form that decks the blooming flower I 

And, as I wander such fair scenes among, 

VU make the Rose of Sharon all my song. 



REV. LEGH RICHMOND. 145 

** What though the chilling blasts of winter's day 
Forbid the garden longer to be gay ? 
Of winter yet I'll not refuse to sing, 
Thus to be followed by eternal spring ! 

" Hervey ] be thou my guide to point the road 
That leads far hence, to yonder blest abode ! 
Grant me his faith, thou good, thou great Most Highl 
Let me like Hervey Uve — like Hervey die !" 

We next insert an extract from a letter, addressed to his aunt, in 
the year 1817, in allusion to a report that his public services were 
recompensed by a salary. 

" This subject reminds me of an observation which you made 
when I lately saw you, and to which I for a moment beg to draw 
your attention. You said that some person had told either you or 
Mrs. M. that I received some pecuniary compensation for my ser- 
vices in behalf of the religious institutions for which I am in the 
habit of pleading. I must request that justice may be done to me, 
and to the cause which I espouse. The report is false, in every 
possible point of view. I never did, nor ever would, accept of a 
single farthing, from a single individual. The whole has ever been 
completely gratuitous, and disinterested. Many valuable clergy- 
men are pursuing the same path of usefulness in their occasional 
excursions from home : but they act as volunteers, and not as hire- 
lings ; we seek no reward in this world, but that of seeing good 
done, and mankind benefited. Let this injurious report be repelled ; 
let not prejudice and mistake operate to the disadvantage of truth 
and charity. I can say, for one, that if ever the least departure 
were to take place from the disinterested plan of serving the so- 
cieties gratuitously,* I would instantly abandon the ranks of their 
public defenders and advocates. My services arise from conscien- 
tious principle, and are neither directly nor obliquely connected 
with pecuniary advantage ; but quite the reverse, if all were known. 
Some people seem to doubt the possibility of disinterested activity. 
Alas! they know not the motives which Christianity inspires. 
Christ said for himself, and for all true Christians, ^ My kingdom is 
not of this world.' May we all fully know what that important 
text means." 

But the question which will no doubt principally suggest itself 
to the reader, is the following:— 

♦ An exception is, of course, hero implied, in l)ehalf of the regular official 
agenta of the public socirllo?!. 

13 



146 MEMOIRS OF THE 

How was his place supplied in his parish during these ex- 
cursiojisl 

It was his fixed detorinination, never to enter upon a public en- 
gagement, till a provision had been made for the services of his pa- 
rish ; and he seldom left home without procuring a resident minis- 
ter. Subsequently, when the claims of the different public socie- 
lios, and the calls of his distant friends, required him to give up a 
certain portion of his time, he appointed a regular curate, who 
united with that office the care and tuition of his children: that 
neither his family nor his people might suffer any diminution of 
tiieir accustomed privileges by his absence. The following letter, 
addressed to a clergyman who was his temporary representative 
during one of these journeys, will prove that he was not satisfied 
with merely procuring a substitute, but that it was his earnest wish 
to secure the conscientious and efficient performance of the 
duty : — 

*' My dear Sir, 

" I hope this will meet you in good health. In committing my 
flock to your care for a season, I earnestly pray God that you and 
they may prosper, and profit together. I will add a few words 
explanatory of my usual proceedings. I have, on Sunday morn- 
ing and afternoon, full services. My evening service is for the 
Sunday school, and I always address them in the most free and 
simple manner. If ever you speak without full notes, this would 
be your occasion ; if not, let the children be the especial object of 
your evening ministry, in that way wherein God shall direct your 
heart and lips. 

"You will naturally wish to know my usual matter and manner 
of preaching. In matter, I keep the Lord Jesus Christ continually 
present, and experimentally applied to the consciences, affections, 
and understandings of the hearers : my people are constantly used 
to the exhibition of the saving offices of Christ, as prophet, priest, 
and king, — all and in all : — strengtliening, comforting, guiding, and 
making the believing sinner meet for tlie inheritance of the saints 
in light. I preach the duties of Christians, not as detached and se- 
parable appendages to doctrines, but as intimately connected, and 
infallibly mixed with them, and flowing from them : still keeping 
the w^ork of the Holy Spirit in view, as convincing, directing, and 
revealing Jesus as the principle of both justification by faith alone, 
and of sanctification through the Holy Spirit. These rich, never- 
failing, fruitful, and consolatory truths. I feel to be the great sub- 



REV. LEGH RICHMOND. 147 

ject and object of the Christian Ministry, and as such, I have ever 
preached them fully, freely, and experimentally. Give them, my 
dear sir, these plain Scriptural truths in godly simplicity, and they 
M^ill love and bless you. In point of length, I would recommend 
from 35 to 45 minutes as the extreme limits. 

" As to manner \ my first object is, to exhibit affection, earnest- 
ness, and a real desire that every sentiment and every sentence 
may profit the hearts of my hearers. 

" I rely on your brotherly and friendly feelings to allow for 
the frankness of these accounts of my unworthy self, as I am sure 
you would wish me to explain the objects so near my heart. 

" On Friday evening I have a lecture, to a small but listening 
people. In hay and harvest time it is much reduced. My valued 
friend, Mr. Barker, will afford you any and every information con- 
cerning parochial matters. He will introduce you to some of the 
sick, and other poor people ; and you will find religious conversa- 
tional intercourse in visiting the poor, a sure road to their hearts ; 
and, during my absence, no small satisfaction to mine. 

" Mr. Barker will tell you all about my new school plans, in 
which he is very useful to me. In all these things, my dear sir, 
you will now, for a season, be my substitute. Pray to God for di- 
rection ; and after, pray for your absent friend. Do the work of an 
evangelist — resting on the special promises made to ministers and 
flocks. Be sincere, humble, affectionate, and earnest ; — keep close 
to the Gospel of our blessed Master, in private and in public : and 
may He comfort and strengthen you in all things. 

" Be so kind to be exact in the times of commencing the different 
services. Sunday morning, at ten; afternoon, at half past two; 
evening, at six ; Friday evening, at a quarter before seven. 

" In the same spirit in which I have written to you on my feel- 
ings and wishes as a minister, I now also wish you to receive these 
expressions as a friend and a brother ; and to be assured that I 
am, 

"Very affectionately and faithfully, your's, 

" Legh Richmond." 

♦* Re\u Mr, R s, Turvey,^^ 

He was also in the habit, on these occasions, of writing pastoral 
letters to his people, to convince them that, though absent for a 
season, he was still not unmindful of their spiritual welfare. These 
epistles are written with much plainness of style, united with useful 
admonitions, and suitable references to the circumstances of the 



148 MEMOIRS OF THE 

parish. The Rev. Mr. Ward, the excellent minister of Tver, has 
lonfr adopted this practice on a more extended scale, hy addressing 
a yearly epistle to his parishioners, containing the substance of his 
I)astoral thoughts and reflections : and we think this example wor- 
thy of being reconmiended to general imitation ; as they arc 
pleasinjj memorials of affection and zeal, and seem calculated to 
strengthen the bond of union which ought ever to subsist between 
a minister and his people. We shall not now insert those of Mr. 
Richmond, because they contain allusions to events which we have 
not yet had the opportunity of relating ; and because we are desi- 
rous of presenting the reader witli the various details of his public 
engagements without the interruption of other subjects. 

Perhaps some may be disposed to think that the excitement and 
popularity of Mr. Richmond's public life, might disqualify him for 
the more homely and retired duties of a country parish priest. 

That he returned with his mind deeply impressed with the im- 
portance of the cause which he had been pleading, is most true ; 
but the use that he made of this impression was to endeavour to 
enkindle in the breasts of others, the flame which warmed and ani- 
mated his own. He therefore drew attention to these subjects — 
introduced them into his sermons ; — described the state of the Heathen 
world; — their idolatries — their atrocious rites — the burning of wo- 
men on the funeral pile — their awful ignorance — their perishing 
state ; and the bounden duty of Christians to send them that Gospel 
which the mercy of God had put into their own hands. These com- 
munications were then novel, and excited considerable interest. 

It has been said that such objects are too remote to engage the 
attention of the poor ; and that their poverty disables them from 
contributing to their support. But their principal qualification for 
appreciating missions is a sense of the worth of an immortal soul ; 
and he who knows the value of his own soul, be he poor or rich, 
needs no other argument to inspire him with a desire to save the 
souls of others : and it must be mentioned to the honour of the 
lower classes, that they have been found to be valuable and effi- 
cient friends of missionary exertions, not only by the fervour of 
their prayers, but also by the amount of their pecuniary contribu- 
tions. To many of them may be applied the touching commen- 
dation of the apostle, when speaking of the poor disciples of 
(Corinth — " In a great trial of affliction, the abundance of their joy, 
and their deep poverty, abounded unto the riches of their liberality ; 
for to their power, I bear record, yea, and beyond their power, 
they were willing of themsolves ; praying us, with much intreaty, 



REV. LEGH RICHMOND. 149 

that we would receive the gift, and take upon us the fellowship of 
the ministering to the saints : and this they did, not as we hoped, 
but first gave their own selves to the Lord, and unto us by the 
will of God:'--2 Cor. viii. 2—5. 

The people. of Turvey soon expressed a desire to contribute their 
aid ; and a Bible and Missionary society were accordingly establish- 
ed. Mr. Richmond found the introduction of these subjects to be 
attended with the happiest effects. His people acquired more en- 
larged views ; they read their Bibles with increasing interest ; com- 
prehended better the scope of prophecy, and the future spread of 
the everlasting Gospel among all the nations of the world ; they 
prayed for its accomplishment, and the cause of missions became 
dear to their hearts. There was also a re-action upon themselves— 
they were led to a more earnest examination of their own state be- 
fore God. In reading the simple narratives of poor negroes mourn- 
ing for their sins, or rejoicing in the peace and consolations of the 
Gospel, they caught the happy contagion ; they wondered to see 
emotions described so like their own ; discovered that the human 
heart is every where the same ; and that the grace of God, confin- 
ed to no clime or colour, can impart its saving influences to men 
of every nation, tongue, and kindred. In thinking of the souls of 
others, they became increasingly interested for their own ; and 
learned to implore that grace with renewed earnestness for them- 
selves, the transforming power and efficacy of which they saw, in 
the instance of a once-benighted Heathen. 

Another question may occur. 

Did his family sustain no injury by his frequent absence 
from them 7 

They were left in the hands of an excellent mother ; to whose 
assiduous and affectionate care, none bore a more willing or fre- 
quent testimony than Mr. Richmond. But his own ceaseless soli- 
citude for the welfare of his children will be best shown by the fol- 
lowing letters ; together with some valuable admonitions addressed 
to his daughters, and rules for their general conduct and deport- 
ment. 

" October, 1815. 

"My dear Child, 

" This may probably reach you on your oirth-day. It is a day, 

which should remind you of the importance of tune, and the swift 

approach of eternity. It bids you remember your Creator in 

the days of your youth. But have you ever done so aright 7 

13* 



150 MEMOIRS OF THE 

Have you seen yourself a sinner, and gone to the blood of Christ 
for pardon ? Forms and notions never yet saved a soul ; and have 
you, indeed, ever gone furtlier than forms and notions ? My child, 
be in earnest ; it is no trifle whether you have real grace or not : 
it is every thing to ascertain this point, and to act upon it. Do you 
feel a burden of sin for daily offences ? — do you repent? — do you 
pray from the heart ? Suppose God were to see good to bring you 
to a bed of death, where are your evidences that you are really 
his child ? Think in how many ways you have offended him in 
thought, word, and deed ! What but a Saviour's blood can wipe the 
guilt way ? 

^' It is full time, my dear F , that you show a decision of 

character, in that humble yet determined separation of life, w^hich 
distinguishes a common (alas! too common) nominally Christian 
child, from a child that believes in Christ, loves God, and is taught 
by the Holy Spirit. 

" Secret, free prayer, is a great testimony tliat a work of grace is 
begun. But do you tlius pray ? Have you found out the sins into 
which you are the most liable to fall, and most easily tempted to 
commit? These are your bosom foes, and must be resisted in a 
different strength from any which you naturally possess. That 
strength is only to be obtained in Christ, and by believing in him 
and him alone. Grace, free grace, reigns in every step of the 
Christian progress. Do you ever feel these things as a matter of 
uneasiness, or desire, or hope, or fear? It will not satisfy me, and 
I hope it will not satisfy you, that you have had so many advan- 
tages of a Christian education, unless you prove to yourself and 
me, that there is a work of the Spirit in your heart. What a de- 
lightful display the Lord gave us of his goodness and power, when 
that dear and beloved woman, your mother and my wife, (it is my 
highest earthly privilege to call her so,) lay, as we thought, on the 
bed of death ! You cannot have forgotten it ; no one that saw it 
ever could. But that day was a warning and a consolation for us : 
oh ! may we use it as both. But do not deceive yourself — mere na- 
tural feelings and meltings of heart are not enough. Sin, sin, is 
the great cause or sorrow ; and therefore must you weep. Carry 
sin to Jesus, he will hide it for ever from his Father's sight. An 
gels rejoice when children weep for sin. 

'' Read ' Little Jane !' Two Sunday scholars at Manchester have 
been converted to God this summer, by reading it : — and must my 

own dear child heed it not ? I trust not. Pray, dear F , for 

faith and love to the Saviour. Happy shall I be to hear from your- 



REV. LEGH RICHMOND. 151 

self, (when it does indeed come from your heart,) either by letter 
or word of mouth, that you feel a true concern for your never-dy- 
ing soul. And so may God give you many happy years, if it so 
please him. If not, may he take you, as a pardoned sinner, to him- 
self, in his own time. — Love to my dear H. 

" From her, and your truly affectionate father. 

" Tell H., that I write every word of this for her, as well as for 
you." 

« Keswick, Oct 16, 1815. 

"My dear Daughter, 

" The exquisite beauty and sublimity of this country almost 
makes a pen move of itself. Never did 1 pass so beautiful a day 
as this at the Lakes. I shall sing the praises of October, as the 
loveliest of months. This morning, at six o'clock, I was walking 
on the banks of Winandermere, to catch a sun-rise. I had every 
thing I could wish, and observed the progress of day with delight. 
The mysterious rolling of clouds across the hills announced the 
first influence of the sun. Tints the most beauteous skirted the 
eastern clouds; those on the west caught them as by sympathy. 
Various patches of mountains soon gleamed with the reflection of 
the yet unseen luminary ; and such innumerable vicissitudes of 
light and shade, and claro obscuro, filled the scene as no tongue 
can describe. The Lake, in all its length of thirteen miles, lay 
beneath me, with its thirty islands. I heard the early lowing of 
the cows, the bleating of the sheep, the neighing of the horses, the 
twittering of the birds, the rustling of the breeze, and rippling 
of the water, and dashing of the oar, in a gentle kind of harmony. 
The sun advanced, and threw a blaze of magnificent lustre over 
this Paradisaical landscape. I soon crossed over the lake, and passed 
through rich scenes of wonder and loveliness. I saw Coniston 
and Grasmere Lakes, under circumstances of peculiar advantage. 
Clusters of mountains and lesser hills, clothed with crags, brown 
f(3rn, red lichens, green grass, purple heath, bushes, barren gulleys, 
cascades, wild streaks, rolling mists, bright sun-shine, &c. presented 
incessant variety. Hill towered above hill — Alpine peaks reared 
their heads — groves filled the valleys, and cottages were sprinkled 
in wild profusion. 

"I dined at a little romantic inn at the foot of the mountam 
Helvellyn. The Lake of Leatheswater extended its four miles' 
length close by. My parlour window faced the great hill ;— a 
mountain stream fell from a great height, tumbling with a mur- 



152 MEMOIRS OF THE 

nuiring sound down into the vale. Something dimmed the pane 
of glass througli which I viewed it. On inspection, I found the 
following lines, written with a diamond : — 

* Flow, mountain streamlet, swiftly flow, 
And fertilize the vale below — 
Sweet emblem of thai gracious love 
Which j)ours down blessings from above : 
The stream of mercy, Lord ! is thine — 
The lowly heart that feels it, mine.' 

'' On another pane was written — 

' Forget not, mortal traveller, thou must die, 
Before thy journey's end ask — ' Where am 11" 

" And once more — 

' These lovely scenes before mine eyes 
Form a terrestrial Paradise. 
But this shall quickly pass away : 
Then seek one in eternal- day.' 

" Thence I advanced to Keswick. Before me stood the giants of 
tlie scenery — Skiddaw and Saddleback— in sublime beauty, not to 
be expressed. Their length, their brcadtli, their height, their wild- 
ness, their roughness, their smoothness, their surface, their profile, 
their tout ensemble^ most grand, most interesting. At length, the 
Lakes of Derwentwater and Bassenthwaites burst upon the eye 
with all the charm that painters and poets love, and which Chris- 
tians know how to love far better than either. The scene from a 
hill, a mile on the road from Keswick, so much exceeds the powers 
of my pen to describe, that I can only say — ' How amiable are thy 
tabernacles,' O Lord, the Creator ! 

" I watched the moon decline on the lake, and then studied the 
whole scene by the finest star-liglit I ever beheld. Mars in now in 
the east, like Jupiter; yea, bright as a moon. The Great Bear 
hangs pendant exactly over Skiddaw, and Mars rises triumphantly 
over the summit of Saddleback ; tlie Galaxy sweeps over the he- 
misphere, white as milk, and clear as moonlight. All is solemn, si- 
lent, peaceful. I write you this faint breathing of expression. 
Could you copy tliese scenes. I should be proud of your company 
here ; I trust some day you will. 

" This morning, as I stood on an eminence, looking down on the 
exquisitely-lovely Lake of Grasmere, environed by its amphithea- 
tre of mountams, a momentary shower produced a rainbow j— it 



REV. LEGH RICHMOND. 153 

extended from hill to hill, over the valley, and seemed like a bridge 
for angels to pass over from one district of Paradise to another : 

* And as they pass, let angels sing 
The wonders of creation's King ; 
And while they tune their harps to praise, 
I'd gladly catch their solemn lays ; 
Unite with their's my feeble tongue, 
And give to gratitude my song.' " 

"My dear M , 

" I leave you, in much love, a few fatherly hints. 

1. Be constant in private prayer. 

2. Be vrise in the choice of books ; shun every thing of the ro- 
mance and novel kind ; and even in poetry, keep to what is useful 
and instructive, as well as pleasant. 

3. In company, show that the principles of your father's house 
and ministry are your rule of conduct, and your real delight. Be 
consistent : — cheerful, but not light ; conversable, but not trifling. 

4. Keep ever in view, that you are supporting my character and 
credit, as well as your own. 

5. Show a marked preference to such conversation, remarks, 
persons, discussions, and occupations, as may tend to essential 
good. 

6. Always think before you speak ; say and do neither hastily 
nor unadvisedly. 

7. If any proposal is ever made to you, in which you hesitate 
how to act, first say to yourself— how would God have me to act ? 
Secondly — what would my parents have me to do, if they were 
here to advise me ? 

8. Never lose sight of this: that the more public my name, 
character, and ministry are become, the more eyes and ears are 
turned to my childrens' conduct ; they are expected, in knowledge 
and circumspection, in religion and morals, in opinions and habits, 
to shew where they have been educated ; and to adorn, not only 
their Christian profession, but their parents' principles. 

9. In music, prefer serious to light compositions ; and in vocal, 
keep close to sacred words. 

10. Pray much for 

" Your affectionate father, ^ 

" Legh Richmond." 

" P. S. I send you the following application of a sermon, from 
Eph, V. 15, 16 :— 



154 MEMOIRS OF THE 

On circvmspcction ofivalk; redemption of time ; and gene 
ral transparency of character. 

1. Adhere most scrupulously to truth; and labour to preserve 
the strictest integrity, simplicity, and sincerity. 

2. Engage in no pursuit in which you cannot look up unto God, 
and say, * Bless me in this, O my Father !' 

3. Strive to be as kind, forbearing, and forgiving, as you can, 
botli to friends and foes. 

4. Never speak evil of any one, on any pretence whatever. 

5. Strive to recommend religion by the courtesy, civility, and 
condescending character of your conduct. 

6. Watch against irritation, positiveness, unkind speaking, and 
anger : study and promote love. 

7. Mortify lusts, sensuality, and sloth. 

8. Never allow others to speak well of you ; nor especially your- 
self, to say or think any thing of yourself, but as poorly done. 
Keep down pride ; let it not be indulged for a moment, and watcK 
against it. 

9. Shut out evil imaginations, and angry thoughts. 

10. Let it be your sole business here to prepare for eternity. 
Consider every moment of time in that view. 

11. Remember that you have to contend with a legion of devils ; 
a heart full of deceit and iniquity ; and a world at enmity with 
God. 

12. Pray tliat you may ever rejoice in tlie advancement of 
Christ's kingdom, and the salvation of sinners ; and labour in 
every way to promote these objects. 

" Prayer is the only weapon which can subdue your corruptions, 
and keep your evidences bright. Cultivate prayer." 

We add another of these edifying testimonies of paternal solici- 
tude and iove. 

" To my Daughters. 
" With a heart full of affection, I sit down to express a few 
sentiments and intimations of my wishes, as connected with your 
conduct, in the course of any journey or absence from home. I 
wish each of you to preserve a copy of it, my dear children, and 
often look at it^ take it with you when from home, and keep it 
safe when at home. 

"Independently of my anxious wishes for your secret, spiritual 
welfare, I have much to feel on my own account, in point of credit 
and character, as connected with your deportment, in every house 



REV. LEGH RICHMOND. 155 

and company into which I may introduce you. I have not a doubt 
of your general affectionate wish to speak and act right ; but inex- 
perience, youth, thoughtlessness, and want of more acquaintance 
with the world carnal and the world religious, may easily occasion 
inconsistencies and errors which might be injurious to your own, 
as well as to my comfort and credit. Accept, therefore, a father's 
blessings and prayers, with a father's chapter of admonitions and 
explanations. 

" You are not unaware that my name and character have acquired 
muchpubiicity;— that I avowedly belong to a class of Christian min- 
isters who profess, for Christ's and their soul's sakes, to be separate 
from the world — to maintain purer and more distinct views of the 
Scripture doctrine — and to be willing to spend and be spent in be- 
half of the truth as it is in Jesus. I am, therefore, supposed not only 
to maintain a consistent separation from the follies and vices of the 
world, its pomps and vanities, but to aim at so ruling and guiding my 
household, that my principles may shine forth in their conduct. 
Any want of correctness, consistency, faithfulness, and propriety 
in them, will always attach a mixture of censure, surprise, and 
concern, as it regards me. The friends of religion will grieve, 
and those who are otherwise will rejoice, if you could be drawn 
into compliances, and expressions of sentiment, at variance with 
your father's :— always, therefore, keep in remembrance, whether 
you are in company with decidedly religious and consistent 
Christians, or with those who are only partially so, or with those 
who are unhappily not so at all— that you have not only your own 
peace of conscience to maintain, but the estimation and honour of 
your parent also.* 

" Many temptations will occur, to induce you to yield and con- 
form to habits and principles, the very reverse of those which you 
hear me supporting, both in the pulpit and the parlour. Be not 
ashamed of firmly, though modestly, in such cases, resisting them. 
State what mine and your principles are, and heed not the mo- 
mentary unpleasantness of appearing singular, when conscience 
and duty require it. You may easily say, * My father does not ap- 
prove of such and such things, neither Can I.' No person whose 

* Should any one think there is too prominent a regard expressed for his 
own reputation, in the advice and admonition he gives his children, let such 
an objector compare Mr. Richmond's feelings with those of the apostle, in ad- 
verting to the conduct of liis spiritual children :— " Lest when I oome again, 
my God will humble mc amongst you ; and that I should bewail many who 
have sinned already " &c. 2 Cor. xii. 21. 



166 MEMOIRS OF THE 

estimation is wortli having will think the worse of you, for such 
instances of mild but decisive firmness ; and without it, I should 
be disgraced. 

"All descriptions of public amusements; novels, popular amo- 
rous poems, plays, songs, vanities, and finery ; and all the sad tribe 
of poisonous and dangerous pursuits ; should be regulated by this 
principle ; and O, that your ow^n simplicity and love to Christ, 
may never give way to one sad influence of false sentiments, even 
amongst those whom ort other accounts, we may esteem and re- 
gard. The half-religious are often more dangerous than those 
who are less so ; because we are more on our guard in the latter 
case than the former. The great number of instances in which 
I have seen the young people of religious families deeply injured 
in their spirits and habits, by much visiting with persons of dif- 
ferent views and customs from those of their own household, has 
made me, I confess, from pure motives of conscience and pru- 
dence, very averse to much of that sort of visiting in my own 
children's case, which I know to have been productive of bad con- 
sequences in others. And the difficulty of drawing the line has 
always appeared very great with my numerous friends and ac- 
quaintance. Still I wish to make you happy in every reasonable 
way ; and I am glad when I can give you the advantage of new 
scenes and company, when it is of the right kind. But as in ray 
journeys, extensive intercourse takes place, a great variety of cha- 
racters will fall in your way ; and I wish for all your sakes that 
you may be provided with sober, discreet, and religious cautions, 
that the natural ardour of youth may not lead you into unbecom- 
ing or sinful compliances. I know many families, and you know 
a few, w^here, perhaps, the pareijts are religious, but their young 
people are very imperfectl}', if at all so ; in such cases you may, 
from equality of age, be thrown much more into the light, frivo- 
lous, and objectionable conversation of the younger, than the 
more useful communications of the elders of the family. Here, 
often, there is danger ; ever prefer and choose those, of whatever 
age, in whom you think you discover a holy, serious, benevolent, 
consistent way of acting and speaking. 

"A young professor of religion has not, in most instances, so 
difficult a task to sustain, when in conversation with those of a 
decidedly religious deportment, as with worldly persons, and those 
who can scarcely be ranked as consistently serious, although often 
to be met with in religious parties. If, however, your conscience 
be correct, you will see more and more the duty of acting and 



REV. LEGH RICHMOND. 157 

speaking aright, and you must ever pray for grace to direct and 
govern you. Difficulties and dangers of this kind greatly multiply, 
when those vi^ho, from relationship and family regard, stand very 
near to natural love and affection, are nevertheless, in great mea- 
sure, strangers to the power of true religion, and therefore mingle 
with the world wholly, pursue its pleasures, and support its cus- 
toms. I entreat you to be much on your guard in all such cases. 
Decays in religious feeling and conduct continually arise from 
this source; and endanger the temporal, spiritual, and eternal 
welfare of many a hopeful family. 

" I am frequently placed in situations myself, where I find it 
very difficult to satisfy my conscience that I am doing right, 
amongst people and families where real religion has little or no part 
in their ways and conversation. In trying to be kind, attentive, and 
too compliant, perhaps, to their habits, I feel that I am in great 
danger of strengthening them in evil, and always of injuring my 
own consistency as a Christian. 

" I will now add some remarks, placed under select heads, which 
may make them more conspicuous, and better remembered : and 
may God render them useful to you ! Keep them constantly with 
you, and let them be always read over, at least once a week. 

AMUSEMENTS. 

Plays, balls, public concerts, cards, private dances, &c. &c. 

Serious, consistent Christians, must resist these things, because 
the dangerous spirit of the world and the flesh is in them all : they 
are the "pomps and vanities of this wicked. world," so solemnly 
renounced at baptism. To be conformed to these seductive and 
more than frivolous scenes, is to be conformed to this world, and 
opposed to the character and precepts of Christ. They who see 
no harm in these things are spiritually blind ; and they who will 
not hear admonition against them, are spiritually deaf. Shun, my 
dear girls, the pleasures of sin, and seek those which are at God's 
right hand for evermore. You cannot love both. 

Blessed be God, you have been kept far from those, who make 
such recreations their idols to wean their hearts from God. Never 
in any conversation speak lightly or triflingly of these subjects, as 
if you had not imbibed proper sentiments concerning them. Ever 
preserve the consistency of your parental house and principles. 

BOOKS. 

Characters are speedily discerned by their choice ol books. 

14 



158 MEMOIRS OF THE 

Novels in prose I need not now forbid ; ignorant as you are of 
their bad tendency by experience, you, I am persuaded, trust me 
on that head, and will never sacrifice time, affection, or attention 
to them. But beware of novels in verse. Poets are more dan- 
gerous than prose writers, when their principles are bad. Were 

Lord B no better poet than he is a man, he might have done 

little harm ; but when a bad man is a good poet, and makes his 
good poetry the vehicle of his bad sentiments, he does mischief by 
wholesale. Do not be asliamed of having never read the fashion- 
able poem of the day. A Christian has no time, and should have 
no inclination, for any reading that has no real tendency to im- 
prove the heart. The finest rule I ever met with, in regard to 
the choice of books, is this :— " Books are good or bad in their 
effects, as they make us relish the word of God, the 7nore or the 
less, after we have read them." There are too many valuable 
books on a variety of subjects, which ought to be read, to allow of 
time to be dedicated to unworthy and useless ones. 

MUSIC. 

Shun all the wretched folly and corruption of light, silly, and 
amorous songs, on the same principle that you would shun books 
of the same nature. Sacred music is the true refuge of the Chris- 
tian musician. I wish your ears, your hearts, and your tongues, 
were oftener tuned to such melodies. The play-house, the opera, 
and the concert-room, have deluged the world with the abuses of 
the heavenly art of music. Music was designed to lead the soul to 
heaven, but the corruption of man has greatly perverted the merci- 
ful intention. Do not you belong to such perverters, nor seem to 
take pleasure in those who do. 

DRESS. 

Aim at great neatness and simplicity. Shun finery and show. 

Be not in haste to follow new fashions. 

Remember, that with regard to dress, Christians ought to be de- 
cidedly plainer, and less showy, than the people of the world. I 
wish it to be said of the females of my house — "with what evident 
and becoming simplicity are the daughters of Simplex* attired. I 
refer you to my last letter on tliat subject. 

• Mr. Richmond's signature in ' The Christian Guardian. 



REV. LEGH RICHMOND. 159 

BEHAVIOUR IN COMPANY. 

Be cheerful, but not gigglers. 

Be serious, but not dull. 

Be communicative, but not forward. 

Be kind, but not servile. 

In every company, support your own and your father's princi- 
ples by cautious consistency. 

Beware of silly thoughtless speeches : although you may forget 
them, others will not. 

Remember, God's eye is in every place, and his ear in every 
company. 

Beware of levity and familiarity with young men ; a modest re- 
serve, without affectation, is the only safe path ; — grace is needful 
here ; ask for it j you know where. 

JOURNEYINGS. 

Cultivate knowledge as you travel :— 

History, antiquities — in cities, towns, churches, castles, ruins, 
&c. 

Natural History — in plants, earths, stones, minerals, animals, &c. 

Picturesque taste — in landscape scenery and all its boundless 
combinations. 

Cultivate good humoured contentment, in all the little inconve- 
niences incident to inns, roads, weather, &c. 

Cultivate a deep and grateful sense of the power, wisdom, and 
goodness of God, in creation and providence, as successively pre- 
sented to your notice from place to place. 

Keep diaries and memoranda of daily events, places, persons, 
objects, conversations, sermons, public meetings, beauties, wonders, 
and mercies, as you travel. Be minute and faithful. 

Ask many questions of such as can afford useful information as 
to what you see. 

Write your diary daily ;— delays are very prejudicial. You owe 
a diary to yourself, to your friends left at home, and to your fa- 
ther, who gives you the pleasure and profit of the journey. 

PRAYER. 

Strive to preserve a praying mind through the day ; not only at 
the usual and stated periods, but every where, and at all times, and 
in all companies. This is vour best preservative against error, 
weakness, and sin. 



180 MEMOIRS OF THE 

Always remombcr that you are in the midst of temptations, and 
never more so than when most pleased with outward objects and 
intercourse. 

Pray and watch ; for if the spirit be willing, yet the flesh is deplo- 
rably weak. 

RELIGION. 

Keep ever in mind that for your own sake and for my sake, you 
have a religious profession to sustain ; and this both in serious and 
worldly company. Be firm and consistent in them both. Many 
eyes and cars are open to observe what my children say and do, 
and will be wherever we go. Pray to be preserved from errors, 
follies, and offences, which bring an evil name upon the ways of 
God. You may sometimes hear ridicule, prejudice, and censure, 
assail the friends of true religion ; it ever was, and will be so : but 
" blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness' sake, for 
theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Be not ashamed of Christ here, 
and he will not be ashamed of you hereafter. 

Court and encourage serious conversation with those who are 
truly serious and conversible ; and do not go into valuable compa- 
ny without endeavouring to improve by the intercourse permitted 
to you. Nothing is more unbecoming, than that, while one part of 
a company is engaged in profitable and interesting conversation, 
another part should be trifling, giggling, and talking comparative 
nonsense to each other. 

Ever shew the interest which you take in the subject of schools 
for the poor, the distribution of tracts, the Bible and Missionary 
Societies, and all those important topics which so deeply occupy 
the people of God : and when you can find a congenial friend, talk 
of heaven and eternity, and your soul and your Saviour. This will 
be as a shield to your head and your heart. 

ESTIMATE OF CHARACTERS. 

Look first for grace. Do not disesteem good people on accouni 
of their foibles or deficiencies in matters of little importance. Gold 
unpolished is far more valuable than the brightest brass. Never 
form unfavourable opinions of religious people hastily — "Charity 
hopeth all things." Prize those families where you find constant 
family prayer; and suspect evil and danger, where it is avowedly 
unknown and unpractised. Always remember the astonishing dif- 
ference between the true followers of Jesus, and the yet unconvert- 



REV. LEGH RICHMOND. 161 

ed world, and prize them accordinglyj whatever be their rank in 
society. 

Gentility and piety form a happy union : but poverty and piety 
are quite as acceptable in the eyes of God — and so they ought to 
be in ours. Not only are the poor far more in actual number than 
the rich, but experience proves that the proportionate number of 
the truly serious amongst the poor is much greater than the cor- 
responding proportion of numbers amongst the rich. Take 1000 
poor and 100 rich ; you will probably find ten of the latter serious ; 
but 200 of the former shall be so at the same time. 

Beware of the critical hearing of sermons preached by good 
men. It is an awful thing to be occupied in balancing the merits 
of a preacher, instead of the demerits of yourself Consider every 
opportunity of hearing as a message sent you from heaven. For 
all the sermons you have heard, you will have to render an account 
at the last day. 

PARENTS. 

Seek to make them happy in you. 

If you perceive that any thmg in your ways makes them other- 
wise, you ought to have no peace until you have corrected it ; and 
if you find yourself indifferent or insensible to their will and wish- 
es, depend upon it yours is a carnal, disobedient, ungrateful heart. 
If you love them, keep their commandments ; otherwise love is a 
mere word in the mouth, or a notion in the fancy, but not a ruling 
principle in the heart. They know much of the world, you very 
little ; trust them, therefore, when they differ from you, and refuse 
compliance with your desires ; — they watch over you for God, and 
are entitled to great deference and cheerful obedience. You may 
easily shorten the lives of affectionate and conscientious parents, 
by misconduct, bad tempers, and alienation from their injunctions. 
Let not this sin be laid to your charge. 

"I shall add no more at present, than that I am 

"Your affectionate father, 

"L. Richmond." 

We reserve the insertion of some interesting letters, addressed 
to Mrs. Richmond, for another part of this Memoir. 

14* 



162 MEMOIRS OF TOE 

CHAPTER X. 

Detection of an extraordinary imposture by Mr. Richmond — Publication ofhia tracts — 
Review of them — Their great popularity and extensive circiUaiionj d^. — American 
editions — Remarks on the subject — Mr. Richmond's connexion with the Tract 
Society. 

In the year 1813, Mr. Richmond was the means of detecting one 

(.f the grossest impostures ever practised upon the credulity of the 
pubhc. A woman of the name of Ann Moore, of Tutbury, in Staf- 
fcdshire, professed to have lived six years without having taken 
anv solid food, and four years and a half without any liquid. The 
singularity of the case led persons to visit her from various parts ; 
am' on these occasions she maintained an appearance of moral and 
reli^ ious feeling, which left an impression of a highly favourable 
natuie on the minds of those who conversed with her. She as- 
cribec her existence, in this state of incdia^ to absorption by the 
lungs I nd skin ; and declared that some physicians had assured her 
of tlie \ ossibility of the case. Leaving disquisitions of this nature 
to medical men, it is, nevertheless, a well-established fact, that after 
a watch of sixteen days, in the year 1808, during which no disco- 
very was made of her having taken any food or liquid whatsoever, 
a strong disposition prevailed among several physicians and sur- 
geons of known talent and respectability, to give credit to her as- 
sertions. A second and stricter watch, was, however, agreed upon, 
and the arrangement of it committed to the direction of Mr. Rich- 
mond, who felt a peculiar interest in the case, and formed a com- 
mittee for the purpose, composed of several medical and other re- 
spectable gentlemen. The precautions were so well taken against 
the admission of any kind of nourishment, that the woman was 
reduced to a state of exhaustion, and finally confessed the im- 
posture. 

An excellent pamphlet was drawn up on this occasion, by Mr. 
Richmond, containing many valuable remarks of a physiological 
nature ; but as we feel most interested in the moral view of the 
subject, we insert the following reflections of the author, arising 
from the discovery of the hypocrisy and pretended abstinence of 
this extraordinary impostor. We refer the reader to the pamphlet 
Itself for further information.* 

♦ By the committee, which consisted of 33 clergy and gentry, with Sir Os- 
wald Mosley aa their chairman, it was resolved unanimously — " That the 
thanks of the Committee be given to the Rev. L. Richmond, (to whose origi 
nal proposition in November last, and subsequent perseverance in the plan till 



REV. LEGH RICHMOND. 16S 

" Those who are accustomed to trace and admire the leading 
steps of God's providential government in the conduct of human 
affairs, will not fail to connect together all the links of the chain of 
occurrences by which this detection was begun and completed. 
At the same time, other hypocrites and impostors will be taught 
by the present exposure of guilt, that ' verily there is a God that 
judgeth in the earth.' 

" But further ; this woman pretended to a high degree of vene- 
ration for the Scriptures, and the religion of the Gospel of Christ. 
She had, partly by reading books, and partly by intercourse with 
various persons of intelligence and piety, acquired a more than or- 
dinary share of religious knowledge. She possessed a fluency of 
speech, and could assume an interesting deportment in conversa- 
tions of a serious nature. 

" Hypocrisy is at all times odious, but religious hypocrisy pre- 
eminently so. Christianity, in its true character and privileges, is 
a jewel of too high a value not to provoke, from the basest motives, 
many a specious, though spurious imitation of its excellence. It 
cannot be denied that the cause of religion has suffered much in 
worldly estimation through the misconduct of unworthy preten- 
ders. From hence infidelity takes occasion to triumph -, prejudice 
gains strength ; licentiousness grows bolder ; and the enmity of 
the multitude against moral principles and practice, finds a delusive 
apology for sin in the exposure of the hypocritical professor. 
True Christians will hence learn the indispensable necessity of the 
most unbending uprightness and simplicity in all the concerns of 
life ; that they may not bring an evil name on the cause which lies 
nearest to their heart and welfare. 

" Those who are at all acquainted with the secret recesses and 
operations of corruption in the human heart, will find, in the recent 
detection of this impostor, a source of convincing and improving 
meditation. While too many others, perhaps, may indulge in un- 
feeling and indecorous levity, when contemplating this discovery 
of sin, wretchedness, and shame ; the real believer in the sacred 
truths which the Scriptures reveal, will view it with far different 
feelings. Such an one too well knows the awful nature and ten- 

the present time, the discovery of the imposture has been owing-,) for the pains 
he has bestowed on a subject which has excited so much public interest. And 
that he be requested to prepare for the press, a statement of facts relative to 
the supposed abstinence of Ann Moore; and a narrative of the circumstances 
which led to the present detection of the imposture." — See Statement of Facts, 
Preface. 



164 MEMOIRS OF THE 

dency of sin, to dare to trifle with it even so much as in 
thoiiorht. 

'' Yet, however implicated the notoriety of this woman's sup- 
I osed abstinence may have been with her pretensions of a religious 
nature, real rehgion cannot eventually suffer by the disclosure of 
her true character. Had she been even more uniformly consist- 
( nt in her outward conduct than was actually the case ; yet truth 
cannot lose its integral virtue, because falsehood occasionally as- 
sumes its external garb. — The Bible is still the word of God, and 
loses none of its intrinsic worth, although it once made an osten- 
tatious appendage to the furniture of Ann Moore. Nor has the 
hallowed name of a Redeemer ceased to be holy, because her pol- 
luted lips have often taken it in vain. The infidel and the profli- 
gate are in no less danger of the ripening vengeance of God, be- 
cause they can now point with the finger of scorn at the detected 
hypocrite. The invaluable blessings which genuine Christianity 
ever did, and ever must pour down upon the heads and hearts of 
its faithful professors, shall still prove their divine origin by the 
fruits they invariably produce; and the temporary exaltation of 
impostors and false pretenders shall, in the end, contribute to the 
lastiue^ triumph of truth. 

'• Moreover, that very religion, which this wretched woman pos- 
sessed not, will direct the hearts of those who are, happily, parta- 
kers of its influence, to one contemplation more. They will view 
her as an object for pity and prayer. While the world has over- 
whelmed her name with disgrace, and just indignation has been 
excited agamst her offences — while a providential discovery has 
arrested her iniquity in its prosperous career, and she is now re- 
duced to ignominy and shame, the Christian will pray for her re- 
pentance. His abhorrence of the sin, will not diminish his pity for 
the deplorable case of the sinner. Meditation upon his own lia- 
bility to offend, as well as a review of the many sad proofs of hu- 
man depravity which he daily sees around him, will forcibly lead 
his affections amidst the occurrences of time, to contemplate 
an approaching eternity. There, through the medium of the 
Scripture revelation, he will trace the records of divine mercy ; and 
will feel it to be his privilege and delight to plead, in a Saviour's 
name, for the pardon of this presumptuous offender. And while 
thus occupied, his hope and his prayer will be, that, ' where sin 
hath abounded, grace may much more abound.' " 

We have already incidentally alluded to Mr. Richmond's tracts, 
and now resume the subject. 



REV. LEGH RICHMOND. 165 

During his residence in the Isle of Wight, some interesting 
events occurred, connected with his ministry, which he first made 
known to the public through the medium of the ' Christian Guar- 
dian.'* These communications having excited much attention, he 
was afterwards induced to publish them in the form of tracts, of 
which the first that made its appearance was ' the Dairyman's 
Daughter.' ^ The Negro Servant,' and ' the Young Cottager, or 
Little Jane,' successively followed : and finally, in the year 1814, 
they were united into one volume, under the title of ' Annals of the 
Poor,'t with the following appropriate motto from Gray : — 

Let not ambition mock their useful toil, 

Their homely joys and destiny obscure ; 
Nor grandeur hear, with a disdainful smile, 

The short and simple annals of the poor. 

His ^ Dairyman's Daughter' rapidly acquired an unexampled 
celebrity. It was read with an avidity that required many succes- 
sive editions to satisfy the demands of the public, and soon be- 
came the most popular tract of the day. The author, from the 
generous motive of ensuring to it a more extended usefulness, was 
induced to present it to the Religious Tract Society, by whom 
it was immediately translated into the French and Italian lan- 
guages. The writer of this Memoir well remembers a circum- 
stance connected with this celebrated tract, which he will here 
mention. He was taken by Mr. Richmond, in the year 1811, to 
attend a committee meeting of the Tract Society, when one of the 
members rose up, and observed, that as he came with the full in- 
tention of submitting to them the motion in his hand, he hoped he 
should not violate the delicacy of its author, by proposing, that 
the tract of the ' Dairyman's Daughter,' the merit of which had 
been so generally recognized, should be translated into the Ger- 
man, Swedish, and Danish languages. Another member then rose 
and said, that he trusted he should be excused for adding an 
amendment to the motion, by recommending that the above 
tract be translated into all the European languages^ as far as 
means and opportunities might occur for that purpose. The 
resolution was unanimously carried in this amended form. The 
tract has since been translated into most of the Continental lan- 
guages. It has also obtained a wide circulation in America ; the 

* See Christian Guardian, for 1809, 1810, 1811. 

t In this edition, considerable additions were made in the * Dairyman*! 
Daughter.* 



tm MEMOIRS OF THE 

Old and New World have alike stamped it with the seal of popular 
approbation. At lionie. several editions of 20,000 copies each were 
printed within a very short period, and the copies which have been 
circulated in the Enirlish language alone, to the present time, are 
estimated at two millions. It has found its way to the palaces of 
kings,* and been seen in the hut of the indian.f Its author was 
informed of thirty instances, in which it was acknowledged to have 
been instrumental to the conversion of its readers, of whom one 
was a female convict at Botany Bay. The last instance of its use- 
fuhu'ss was communicated to him within only twenty-four hours 
of his decease; and from its peculiarity deserves to be men- 
tioned. 

A clergyman who had conceived a violent antipathy against the 
Religious Tract Society and all its publications, was induced to se- 
lect ' Tlie Dairyman's Daughter,' for the purpose of criticising and 
exposing its defects. In the perusal of it, however, he was so ar- 
rested by the interest of the story, and so penetrated by the power 
of the religious truths which it contained, that the pen of criticism 
dropped from his hand, prejudice was charmed into admiration, 
and he was added as another trophy of that grace which had 
shone so brightly in the life and death of the Dairyman's Daughter. 

After what we have stated, we may justly inquire, to what are 
we to attribute the great popularity of this tract ? 

No doubt, the happy union of interest and simplicity in the story, 
the graces of its style, and the beautiful imagery of its descrip- 
tions, have rendered it attractive to every reader ; but the stamp 
of nature and reality which marks its details, the expression of 
feelings which find a response in every awakened mind, and the 
manner in which the whole narrative is made the vehicle of con- 
veying the most important truths, constitute its principal claim to 
admiration. It is needless, however, to prove the excellence of 
a tract, of which four millions of copies are said to have been cir- 
culated in the nineteen languages into which it has been trans- 
lated ; or to adduce the testimonies to its usefulness, which 
have been already printed in almost every report of the Tract 
Society, in addition to numerous instances privately received by 
Mr. Richmond, and which are frequently alluded to in his 
letters. 



♦ A copy was presented by the Rev. Mr. Paterson to the late Empcroi of 
Russia, the circumstances of which we shall soon mention. 
t A copy was seen by a traveller in the hut of a North American iudiaa. 



REV. LEGH RICHMOND. lOT 

A few extracts from the ' Annals of the Poor.' will illustrate the 
spirit and style of the author. 

We begin with his reflections as he contemplates his church of 
Yaverlandj by which he was accustomed to pass, in his way to the 
Dairyman's Daughter. 

" Here the rich and poor meet together in mutual acknowledg 
ment that the Lord is the Maker of them all ; and that all are alike 
dependent creatures, looking up to one common Father to supply 
their wants both temporal and spiritual. 

" Again, likewise, will they meet together in the grave, that un- 
distinguishing receptacle of the opulent and the needy. 

" And once more, at the judgment seat of Christ, shall the rich 
and poor meet together, ' that every one may receive the things 
done in his body, according to that he hath done, whether it be good 
or bad.' 

" How closely connected in the history of man are these three 
periods of a general meeting together ! 

''- The house of prayer— the house appointed for all living — and 
the house not made with hands, eternal in X\^ heavens. May we 
never separate these ideas from each other, but retain them in a sa- 
cred and profitable union ! So shall our worshipping assemblies on 
earth be representative of the general assembly and church of the 
first-born, which are written in heaven."* 

We insert another reflection. 

" Travellers, as they pass through the country, usually stop to 
inquire whose are the splendid mansions, which they discover 
among the woods and plains around them. The families, title, 
fortune, or character of the respective owners, engage much atten- 
tion. Perhaps their houses are exhibited to the admiring stran- 
ger. The elegant rooms — costly furniture — valuable paintings — 
beautiful gardens and shrubberies — are universally approved ; 
while the rank, fashion, taste, and riches of the possessor, afford 
ample materials for entertaining discussion. In the mean time, 
the lowly cottage of the poor husbandman is passed by, as scarce- 
ly deserving of notice. Yet, perchance, such a cottage may of- 
ten contain a treasure of infinitely more value than the sump- 
tuous palace of the rich man ;— even ' the pearl of great price.' 
If this be set in the heart of the poor cottager, it proves a gem 
of unspeakable worth, and will shine among the brightest orna- 
ments of the Redeemer's crown, in that day when he makes up his 
* jewels.' 

♦ Dairyman's Daug-htcr, pp. 70, 71. 



108 MEMOIRS OF THE 

" Hence the Christian traveller, while, in common with others, 
he bestows his due share of applause on the decorations of the 
rich, and is not insensible to the beauties and magnificence which 
are the lawfully-allowed appendages of rank and fortune, cannot 
overlook the humble dwelling of the poor. And if he should find 
true piety and grace beneath the thatched roof, which he has in 
vain, perhaps, looked for amidst the worldly grandeur of the 
rich, he remembers the declarations in the word of God. He sees 
with admiration, 'that the high and lofty One that inhabiteth eter- 
nity, whose name is Holy, who dwelleth in the high and holy 
place, dwelleth with him also that is of a contrite and humble 
spirit.' {Isa. Ivii-. 15.) And although heaven is His throne, and 
the earth his footstool, yet when a habitation is to be sought, and 
a place of rest selected for himself, he says, ' To this man will 1 
look\ even to him that is poor and of a contrite spirit^ and trem- 
hleth at my word.^ 

" When a house is thus tenanted, faith beholds this inscription 
written on the walls — ' The Lord lives here.'' " * 

The death of the I^pgryman's daughter: — 

"I sat down by the bed-side. The mother could not weep, but 
now and then sighed deeply, as she alternately looked at Elizabeth 
and at me. The big tear rolled down the brother's cheek, and 
testified an affectionate regard. The good old man stood at the foot 
of the bed, leaning upon the post, and unable to take his eyes off 
the child from whom he was so soon to part. 

" Elizabeth's eyes were closed, and as yet she perceived me not. 
But over the face, though pale, sunk, and hollow, the peace of God, 
which passeth all understanding, had cast a triumphant calm. 

" The soldier, after a short pause, silently reached out his Bible 
towards me, pointing with liis finger at 1 Cor. xv. 55, 56, 57. I 
tlicn broke silence by reading the passage, 'O Death, where is thy 
sting ? O Grave, where is thy victory ? The sting of death is sin, 
and the strength of sin is the law. But thanks be to God, which 
giveth us the victory, through our Lord Jesus Christ.' 

" At tlie sound of tliese words, her eyes opened, and something 
like a ray of divine light beamed on her countenance, as slie said, 
' Victory, victory ! through our Lord Jesus Christ !" 

" She relapsed again, taking no farther notice of any one present. 

" ' God be praised for the triumph of faith,' said L 

"^Amen!' replied the soldier. 

♦ Dairyman's Daug-hier, pp. 97 — 99. 



REV. LEGH RICHMOND. 169 

" The Dairyman's uplifted eye, shewed that the amen was in his 
heart, though his tongue failed to utter it." 

She recovers for a short interval. 

" At length I said to Elizabeth—" Do you experience any doubts 
or temptations on the subject of your eternal safety?' 

" ' No, Sir ; the Lord deals very gently with me, and gives me 
peace.' 

" ' What are your views of the dark valley of death, now that 
you are passing through it?' 

" ' It is not dark.' 

"'Why so?' 

" ' My Lord is there, and he is my light and my salvation !' 

" She did not again revive while I remained, nor ever speak any 
more words which could be understood. She slumbered for about 
ten hours, and at last sweetly fell asleep in the arms of that Lord 
who had dealt so gently with her. 

" I left the house an hour after she had ceased to speak. I press- 
ed her hand, as I was taking leave, and said, 'Christ is the resur- 
rection and the life.' She gently returned the pressure, but could 
neither open her eyes, nor utter a reply. 

" I never had witnessed a scene so impressive as this before. It 
completely filled my imagination as I returned home. 

"'Farewell,' thought I, 'dear friend, till the morning of an eter- 
nal day shall renew our personal intercourse. Thou wast a brand 
plucked from the burning, that thou mightest become a star, shi- 
ning in the firmament of glory. I have seen thy light, and thy 
good works, and will therefore glorify our Father which is in hea- 
ven. I have seen, in thy example, what it is to be a sinner freely 
saved by grace. I have learned from thee, as in a living mirror, 
who it is that begins, continues, and ends the work of faith and 
love. Jesus is all in all : he will and shall be glorified. He won 
the crown, and alone deserves to wear it. May no one attempt to 
rob him of his glory ! He saves, and saves to the uttermost. Fare- 
well, dear sister in the Lord ! Thy flesh and thy heart may fail, but 
God is the strength of thy heart, and shall be thy portion for- 
ever !' " * 

The following description is taken from the 'Young Cottager, or 
Little Jane ;' and pleasingly illustrates his method of imparting 
instruction to children. 

" On the summer evenings, I frequently used to assemble this 

♦ Dairyman'B Daughter, p. 125, and following pag-es, 
15 



170 MEMOIRS OF THE 

Lttle group out of doors, in my garden, sitting under the shade of 
some trees, which protected us from the heat of the sun. From 
hence a scene appeared which rendered my occupation the more 
interesting. For, adjoining to the spot where we sat, and only se- 
parated from us by a fence, was tlie church-yard, surrounded with 
beautiful prospects in every direction. 

^'I had not far to look for subjects of warning and exhortation, 
suitable to the little flock of lambs that I was feeding. 1 could point 
to tlie heaving sods, that marked the different graves and separated 
them from each other, and tell my pupils, that, young as they were, 
none of them were too young to die ; and that probably more than 
half of the bodies that were buried there, were those of little chil- 
dren. I hence took occasion to speak of the nature and value of 
a soul ; and to ask them, where they expected their souls to go, 
when they departed hence, and w^ere no more seen on earth ? 

" I told them who was ' the resurrection and the life,' and w^ho 
alone could take away the sting of death. I used to remind thera 
that the hour was ' coming, in which all that are in the graves shall 
hear his voice, and shall come forth ; they that have done good, 
unto the resurrection of life; and they that have done evil, unto 
the resurrection of damnation.' 

" Sometimes I sent the children to the various stones which 
stood at the head of the graves, and bid them learn the epitaphs in- 
scribed upon them. I took pleasure in seeing the little ones thus 
dispersed in the church-yard, each committing to memory a few 
verses, written in commemoration of the departed. They would 
soon accomplish the desired object, and eagerly return to me, am 
bitious to repeat their tasks. 

" Thus my church-yard became a kind of book of instruction, 
and every grave-stone a leaf of edification for my young disciples. 

" The church itself stood in the midst of the ground. It was a spa- 
cious antique structure. Within those very walls, I first proclaimed 
the message of God to sinners. As these children surrounded me, 
I sometimes pointed to the church; spoke to them of the nature of 
public worship — the value of the sabbath, the duty of regular at- 
tendance on its services ; and urged their serious attention to the 
means of grace. I showed them the sad state of many countries, 
where neither churches nor Bibles were known; and the no less 
melancholy condition of multitudes at home, who sinfully neglect 
worship, and slight the word of God. I thus tried to make them 
sensible of their own favours and privileges.'* 



REV. LEGH RICHMOND. 171 

The following passage contains a vivid description of the sce- 
nery with which he was surrounded. 

" In the widely sweeping curve of a beautiful bay, there is a 
kind of chasm or opening in one of the lofty cliffs that bound it. 
The steep descending sides are covered with trees, bushes, wild 
flowers, fern, wormwood, and many other herbs ; here and there 
contrasted with bold masses of rock, or brown earth. 

" In the highest part of one of these declivities, two or three pic- 
turesque cottages are fixed, and seem half suspended in the air. 

" From the upper extremity of this great fissure or opening in 
the cliff, a small stream of water enters by a cascade, flows through 
the bottom, winding in a varied course of about a quarter of a mile 
in length ; and then runs into the sea, across a smooth expanse of 
firm hard sand, at the lower extremity of the chasm. 

" The open sea, in full magnificence, occupied the centre of the 
prospect ; bounded, indeed, in one small part, by a very distant 
shore, on the rising ascent from which the rays of the sun render- 
ed visible a cathedral church,* with its towering spire, at near 
thirty miles distant. Every where else, the sea beyond was limit- 
ed only by the sky. 

" At my feet the little rivulet, gently rippling over pebbles, soon 
mingled with the sand, and was lost in the waters of the mighty 
ocean. The murmuring of the waves, as the tide ebbed or flowed 
on the sand ; their dashing against some distant rocks, which were 
covered fantastically with sea-weed and shells ; sea-birds float- 
ing in the air aloft, or occasionally screaming from their holes in 
the cliffs ; the hum of human voices in the ships and boats, borne 
along the water ; all these sounds served to promote, rather than 
interrupt meditation. They were soothingly blended together, 
and entered the ear in a kind of natural harmony. 

" In the quiet enjoyment of a scene like this, the lover of na- 
ture's beauties will easily find scope for spiritual illustration."! 

The following are his reflections upon this scene : — 

" The waves of the sea ebb and flow in exact obedience to the 
laws of their Creator: — thus far they come, and no farther ; — they 
retire again to their accustomed bounds ; and so maintain a regula- 
ted succession of effects. 

" But, alas ! the waves of passion and affection in the human 
breast, manifest more of the wild confusion of a storm, than the 
orderly regularity of a tide ; — grace can alone subdue them. 

♦ Chichester Cathedral. 

t ' Annals of the Poor — the Young Cottager,' p. 57— -CO. 



172 MEMOIRS OF THE 

" What peaceful harmony subsists tliroughout all this lovely 
landscape ! These majestic cliffs, some clothed with trees and 
shrubs; others bare and unadorned with herbage, yet variegated 
with many-coloured earths; tliese are not only sublime and de- 
lightful to behold, but they are answering the end of their crea- 
tion, and serve iis a barrier to stop the progress of the waves. 

" But how little peace and harmony can I comparatively see in 
my own heart. The landscape within is marred by dreary barren 
wilds, and wants that engaging character which the various parts 
of this prospect before me so happily preserve. Sin, sin, is the 
bane of mortality, and heaps confusion upon confusion wherever 
it prevails. 

" Yet, saith the voice of promise, * Sin shall not have dominion 
over you.' O ! then, may I yield myself unto God, as one that am 
alive from the dead, and my members as instruments of righteous- 
ness unto God. And thus may I become an able and willing min- 
ister of the New Testament ! 

" I wish I were like this little stream of water : it takes its first 
rise scarcely a mile off; yet it has done good even in that short 
course. It has passed by several cottages in its way, and afforded 
life and health to the inhabitants ; it has watered their little gar- 
dens as it flows, and enriched the meadows near its banks. It has 
satisfied the thirst of the flocks that are feeding aloft on the hills, 
and, perhaps, refreshed the shepherd's boy, who sits watching his 
master's sheep hard by. It then quietly finishes its current in this 
secluded dell, and, agreeably to the design of its Creator, quickly 
vanishes in the ocean. 

'' May my course be like unto thine, thou little rivulet ! Though 
short be my span of life, yet may I be useful to my fellow sin- 
ners, as I travel onwards. Let me be a dispenser of spiritual sup- 
port and health to many ! Like this stream, may I prove the poor 
man's friend by the way, and water the souls that thirst for the 
river of life, wherever I meet them ! And if it please thee, O my 
God ! let me in my latter end be like this brook. It calmly, though 
not quite silently, flows through this scene of peace and loveli- 
ness, just before it enters the sea. Let me thus gently close my 
days likewise ; and may I not unusefully tell to others of the 
goodness and mercy of my Sa\ iour, till I arrive at the vast ocean 
of eternity."* 

These descriptions exhibit Mr. Richmond's delicate and vivid 

♦ * Annals of the Pcx)r— The Young Cottager,' p. 63—65. 



REV. LEGH RICHMOND. 173 

perception of the beauties of nature, and the profitable use he 
made of them. The concluding passage involuntarily leads the 
mind to the closing scene of his own life. For his race is now 
run ; the little rivulet has ceased to flow, and is absorbed in the 
vast ocean of eternity ; while the pious wish expressed in the 
image has been realized. The rivulet has left the traces of its 
fertility, and evidenced the beneficence of its course; and we may 
apply to him the word with which he takes his leave of his endear- 
ed Dairyman's Daughter, "thy flesh and thy heart faileth, but 
God is the strength of thy heart, and thy portion for ever." 

We subjoin one more extract, from ' The Negro Servant.' 
"I dismounted from my horse, and tied it to a bush. The 
breaking of the waves against the foot of the cliff at so great a 
distance beneath me, produced an incessant and pleasing murmur. 
The sea-gulls were flying between the top of the cliff where I 
stood and the rocks below, attending upon their nests, built in the 
holes of the cliff. The whole scene, in every direction, was grand 
and impressive; it was suitable to devotion. The Creator appear- 
ed in the works of his creation, and called upon the creature to 
honour and adore. To the believer this exercise is doubly delight- 
ful. He possesses a right to the enjoyments of nature and provi- 
dence, as well as to the privileges of grace. His title-deed runs 
thus : ^ all things are your's, whether Paul, or Apollos, or Cephas, 
or the world, or life, or death, or things present, or things to come, 
all are your's, and ye are Christ's, and Christ is God's.' 

" I cast my eye downwards, a little to the left, towards a small 
cave, the shore of which consists of fine hard sand. It is sur- 
rounded by fragments of rock, chalk cliffs, and steep banks of 
broken earth. Shut out from human intercourse and dwellings, it 
seems formed for retirement and contemplation. On one of these 
rocks I unexpectedly observed a man sitting with a book, which 
he was reading. The place was near two hundred yards perpen- 
dicular below me ; but I soon discovered by his dress, and by the 
black colour of his features, contrasted with the white rocks be- 
side him, that it was no other than my negro disciple, with, as I 
doubted not, a Bible in his hand. I rejoiced for this unlooked-for 
opportunity of meeting him in so solitary and interesting a situa- 
tion. He was intent on his book, and did not perceive me till I 
approached very near to him. 'William, is that you?' 'Ah, 
massa ! me very glad to see you. How came massa into dis place? 
me tought nobody here but only God and me.' " 

15* 



174 MEMOIRS OF THE 

After a long and interesting conversation with the negro, Mr. 
Kichniond tlius conchuh's : 

" ' My friend,' said I, ' I will now pray with you for your own 
soul, and for those of your parents also.' This was a new and 
solemn house of prayer. The sea-sand was our floor ; the hea- 
vens were our roof; the cliffs, the rocks, the hills, and the waves, 
formed the walls of our chamber. It was not, indeed, a place 
where prayer was wont to be made, but for this once it became a 
hallowed spot. It will by me ever be remembered as such. The 
presence of God was there. I prayed — the negro wept — his heart 
was full— I felt for him, and could not but weep likewise. The last 
day will shew whether our tears were not the tears of sincerity 
and love. It was time for my return. I leaned upon his arm as 
we ascended the steep cliff in my way back to my horse, which I 
had left at the top of the hill. Humility and thankfulness were 
marked in his countenance ; I leaned on his arm with the feelings 
of a brother. It was a relationship I was happy to own. I took 
him by the hand at parting — appointed one more interview previ- 
ous to the day of baptizing him, and bid him farewell for the 
present. ' God bless you, my dear massa 5' ' and you, my dear 
Christian brother, for ever and ever.' "* 

Some of Mr. Richmond's reflections, m the passages before us, 
will remind the reader of those beautiful lines of Cowper, in which 
he enumerates the enjoyment of natural scenery as among the 
covenanted privileges of the believer. 

"He looks abroad into the varied field 

Of nature ; and thou;^h poor, perhaps, compared 

With those whose mansions glitter in his sight, 

Calls the delightful scenery all his own. 

His are the mountains, and the valleys his, 

And the resplendent rivers ; his to enjoy 

With a propriety that none can feel, 

But who, with filial confidence inspired, 

Can lift to heaven an unpresurnptuous eye, 

And smiling say, * my Father made them all !' ''f 

A suspicion has been expressed by some, as to the entire genuine- 
ness of the tract of the Dairyman's Daughter, arising from an idea 
that the language and sentiments of her letters were far beyond 
the capacity of persons in that situation of life. The writer of this 

♦ See 'Annals of the Poor— Xegro Servant, p. 36. 
t Co\vper's Tank, b. 5. 



REV. LEGH RICHMOND. 175 

memoir once entertained the same doubt ; and as it tended greatly 
to diminish the interest and profit which he would otherwise 
have found in the perusal of the tract, he ventured to express his 
feelings to Mr. Richmond, who, in consequence, produced some of 
her letters, which were carefully examined ; and the result was, 
that no alteration was found to have been made, except the correc- 
tion of the spelling, and the occasional change of a single word, 
for one which better expressed her meaning. 

In further confirmation of the genuine character of these inte- 
resting narratives, we lay before the reader a letter addressed to the 
Rev. Mr. Fry, by a highly respectable gentleman, who was con- 
nected for many years with Mr. Richmond as a friend and 
parishioner. 

« TuTvey Abbey, Feb, 21, 1828. 
" My dear Sir, 
" The conversation we had together the other day, respecting 
the interesting tract called ' The Dairyman's Daughter,' induced 
me to request a sight of the original letters. 

" I own that I could not dismiss from my mind, when I formerly 
read the tract, the idea that our friend had improved the young 
woman's letters according to his own amiable and pious feelings ; 
and it was not without pleasure and surprise I found, on the peru- 
sal of the originals, that they were in every respect as he had given 
them ; with the exception of the bad spelling, and the unnecessary 
use of capital letters, which he had corrected, and a word which 
was here and there added or omitted, to make the young woman's 
meaning more plain and intelligible. This latter alteration, how- 
ever, was of rare occurrence, and such as was not only allowable, 
but necessary. 

" I think it would be advisable to advert to this circumstance in 
Mr. Richmond's Memoir, as it is possible that others may labour 
under the same mistake with myself. 

" I am, my dear Sir, 

Yours, very sincerely, 

John Higgins." 

As to the facts of the story, the writer is able to offer a very 
satisfactory proof of their correctness. The Rev. Mr. Hughes, 
one of the estimable secretaries of the British and Foreign Bible 
Society, in company with another friend, visited the spot where 
this interesting young woman formerly resided ; and interrogated 



176 MEMOIRS OF THE 

the brother (who had read the tract) whether the circumstances of 
the story were precisely the same as they are there related ? To 
this he replied, there was only one fact that was misrepresented. 
Being asked, with some degree of anxiety, what that fact was, he 
observed, that Mr. Richmond had described a vine trained near 
the side of the window, whereas it was not a vine, but an apple- 
tree. If historic truth had never been more seriously violated 
than in this instance, the credibility of facts would seldom have 
been impeached. Seven cities would not have contended for the 
honour of Homer's birth. The Trojan war would not have been 
the subject of a grave literary discussion ; nor would the supposed 
antiquity of the Chinese empire have furnished the infidel wits of 
France with a pretence for questioning the authority of the Mosaic 
statement. 

We have thought it important to adduce these testimonies to the 
character of Mr. Richmond's tracts, being aware of a disposition in 
the minds of some to identify them with a class of publications 
which profess to convey religious truth under the garb of fiction. 
We do not mean to discuss the propriety of such a vehicle of in- 
struction; but we wish to distinguish these publications from the 
writings of our friend, who sought his materials, not in the regions 
of fancy, but in the less questionable sources of fact and reality. 
We consider Mr. Richmond to have been excelled by no writer in 
this species of composition. To a style simple, elegant, and full of 
pathos, he united a spirit of Christian love, which transfused its 
sweetness into every thought and expression ; and his imagination, 
rich and powerful, being purified by " a live coal from the altar," 
was consecrated in all its varied exercises, to the glory of God and 
the true interests of man. While, if his fancy sparkled with all the 
beautiful tints of the rainbow, it was only to fix the gaze of the 
admirer on the heavenly world. 

We cannot conclude these remarks without adverting to two 
editions of the ' Dairyman's Daughter,' published in America; the 
one by the Philadelphia Sunday and Adult School Union, and the 
other by the New-England Tract Society, at Boston. 

On comparing these editions with the English copies of the same 
work, we were surprised to find numerous instances of omission 
or alteration. The American editions differ from each other, as 
well as from the English tract. Surely an author and the public 
have a right to expect from an editor a faithful adherence to the 
original ; or at least that he should apprise the reader of alterations, 
and assign a reason for making them. But in the instance before 



REV. LEGH RICHMOND. 177 

us, the foreign tracts, though they bear the name of Mr. Richmond, 
are far from being his own work. The first letter of the Dairy- 
man's Daughter, which contains her rehgious principles, is wholly 
omitted ; the interesting fact relating to the burial service is sup- 
pressed ; no less than nineteen pages of the narrative are removed ; 
and in short, there are so many omissions, transpositions, and alte- 
rations, that the reader would with difficulty recognize the real 
features of the character of the pious daughter of the Dairyman. 
We cannot but complain of this gross mutilation of our friend's 
interesting memoir, as an imposition on the reader, and an injustice 
to the author's reputation. 

Without intending to impugn the integrity of our American 
brethren, or to assign motives for their conduct, we must express 
our regret ; considering, as we do, such interpolations and fi >e 
presentments to be both injurious to the memory of an author, a 
misrepresentation of his principles, and an interference with his 
design, by no means consistent with fair honourable feeling ; 
and we cannot but hope that the evil complained of will be cor- 
rected in subsequent editions. The justness of these remarks must 
plead our excuse (if any be needful,) for their introduction in this 
place.* 

" A very useful method," says Archbishop Seeker, " of spreading 
the knowledge of religion, is by distributing, or procuring to be dis- 
tributed, such pious books, especially to the poorer sort, as are 
best suited to their capacities and circumstances. Much good may 
be done in this way, to considerable numbers at once, in a more ac- 
ceptable manner, for a trifling expense." 

With similar views and sentiments to those expressed by the 
venerable Archbishop, a number of pious persons, more than twen- 
ty years ago, formed an association, which they called " The Re- 
ligious Tract Society." Publications like those of Mr. Richmond, 
could not fail to attract the notice of such an institution : and his 
well-known liberality, together with the high estimation in which 
his character was held, induced the committee of that society to 
make proposals to him of becoming one of their secretaries. At 
that time, the institution had no church representative, though the 
committee was composed of persons of all denominations. The 
secretaries were the Rev. Joseph Hughes, and the Rev. Dr. Stein- ^ 
kopff, well known from their connection with the British and Fo- 

* Since writing- the above, we have seen an American edition, published at 
Philadelphia, in the year 1827, which, we are happy to say, is in every respect 
conformable to the original. 



178 MEMOIRS OF THE 

reign Bible Society. By the accession of Mr. Richmond, It was 
justly expected that the society would derive increased wisdom in 
its counsels, and vigour and unity in its operations. The editor 
well remembers the circumstances of this application, and the rea- 
sons which induced Mr. Richmond to accept the office of joint se- 
cretar>\ It was a proposition which required serious deliberation. 
On the one hand, Mr. Richmond considered that a strong preju- 
dice was known to exist against the society, not only amongst the 
enemies of true piety, but also among some of its friends. It wa.s 
supposed to consist almost exclusively of Dissenters, and its tracts 
were regarded with jealousy and suspicion. To accept this offer, 
he feared, might identify him with dissent, (though he was ever 
warmly attached to the doctrines and discipline of his own church,) 
and might endanger his usefulness in the legitimate field of his la- 
bours. On the other hand, he recognised in the institution many 
claims to his regard. Its object was the same which lay near to his 
own heart— the circulation of tracts, and the revival of the doctrines 
of the Reformation. He saw in the connexion, an opportunity of 
extending his usefulness ; and certain pledges and securities seem- 
ed alone to be wanting, to allow of the co-operation of a conscien- 
tious churchman. He thought that, under the sanction of a suf- 
ficient guarantee against the introduction of peculiarities, there 
was no just reason for his refusal of the office proposed to him ; 
and that by his acceptance of the secretaryship, he might even pro- 
mote the interests of his own church, by preventing the circula- 
tion of tracts hostile to her opinions ; as well as advance the 
common cause of true religion. The required guarantee was given ; 
Mr. Richmond yielded to the wishes of the Society ; and from that 
period to the day of his death, he had no reason to complain that 
the engagement was violated in a single instance. 

Mr. Richmond's decision may give occasion to a difference of 
opinion. By some he may be censured ;— by mosts persons his 
conduct will be approved and admired. Those who consider a 
union with Dissenters, under any circumstances, as a virtual sur- 
render of principle, and a violation of ecclesiastical discipline, 
will condemn his connexion with the Tract Society ; but we have 
never been convinced that a union, on common ground, with any 
p£U*t of the family of Christ, is an act of treason against our own 
church. The union requires not a surrender of principle^ but of 
prejudice : it requires no compromise of forms, but it does require 
a just estimation of the essential truths of salvation. We confess 
that it has ever appeared to us a strange inconsistency, that the 



REV. LEGH RICHMOND 179 

most zealous opponents to the union of true Christians, upon com- 
mon principles, should themselves have united with Lutherans, 
and employed them as their agents to plant churches, and dissem- 
inate religious knowledge, and that for a long period of time ; 
though, in discipline wholly, and partly in doctrine, those agents 
'differ from their own establishment. The allusion will be rea- 
dily understood. We do not mean to recriminate in the spirit 
of hostility ; but we must be allowed to protest against the un- 
fairness of denouncing their brethren of the Church t>f England, 
for uniting with Dissenters in the propagation of our common 
Christianity, where both discipline and peculiarities of creed 
are excluded, by mutual consent, and collision is consequently 
avoided. 

From this vindication of our friend, we turn to the important re- 
sults of the Tract Society. Every part of the globe has been the 
scene of its operations ; and from every country the most pleasing 
testimonies of approbation and usefulness have been received. 
Bishops and archbishops, emperors and kings, ministers of the Re- 
formed, and even of the Roman Catholic Church, have been loud 
in its praises. We regret that the limits of this Memoir will not 
allow us to insert numerous interesting proofs of the Divine favour, 
attendant on the publications of the Society. We must refer the 
reader, for these, to the summary of proceedings for the last twenty 
years, published in one volume, by the Tract Society ; and which 
contains a most satisfactory vindication of the character of the tracts, 
and of the design of the institution. 

We have purposely omitted numerous testimonies to the useful- 
ness of Mr. Richmond's tracts, received from almost every part of 
Great Britain, as well as from many foreign countries, (so nume- 
rous, indeed, that they would fill several chapters,) lest we should 
seem to depart from that Christian modesty so conspicuous 
in the character of their author. We hope the candid reader will 
pardon what the warmth of our affection has dictated ; and the 
more readily, when he remembers that all that we have said of the 
man, magnifies the grace of God which was in him, and wrought 
effectually by him. 



180 MEMOIRS OF THE 

CHAPTER XI. 

Hia appointment a* chaplain to the Duke of Kent — Mrs. RichmontTg illness- Nexio 
school-room — Report of his son's death — Embarrassment^ arising from his puhli^ation 
of * The Fathers of the £nglinh Church^ — Interview with the Emperor of Russia — i>(- 
ters to and from his Imperial Majesty — Princess Mttstchersky — Letters to Mrs, 
Uvius — Verses written on the marriage of a friend's dauglUer, 

Among the distinguished characters who gave the sanction of 
their rank and influence to the public institutions of this country, 
his late Royal Highness the Duke of Kent is pre-eminently entitled 
to our grateful remembrance. Every religious and benevolent un- 
dertaking found in him a powerful friend and patron. He was the 
avowed advocate of the British and Foreign Bible Society. He was 
the patron also of the Society for promoting Christianity among 
the Jews. He usually attended, and took the chair, at the anni- 
versaries of the numerous public charities which confer so much 
honour on the city of London ; on which occasions Mr. Richmond 
often met his Royal Highness, and by the intervention of a com- 
mon friend, became one of his chaplains. 

In the discharge of his functions, Mr. Richmond was sometimes 
required to officiate at Kensington palace. On one of these occa- 
sions, the Duke and Duchess and their retinue were present. His 
Royal Highness heard Mr. Richmond's sermon with profound at- 
tention ; and when the service was concluded, he was pleased to 
express his approbation of the impressive, scriptural, and faithful 
truths which he had heard ; adding, that he fully concurred in 
their importance, and wished to feel their influence. At the same 
time, he inquired how he had attained so remarkable a fluency in 
the expression of his ideas ; and asked whether his discourse had 
been delivered from memory. Mr. Richmond replied in the nega- 
tive ; and said that he usually prepared and digested the leading 
heads of his subject, but he modestly ascribed his ready utterance 
to the effect of habit. His Royal Highness expressed a hope that 
he would preach at the palace whenever lie came to town ; and 
added, " you must converse. Sir, with the Dutchess on these sub- 
jects, for she understands them far better than I do." 

On the evening of the same day, Mr. Richmond received a po- 
lite request from the Duke of Kent, that he would favour him with 
the perusal of the notes from which he had preached in the morn- 
ing. A discussion had taken place at the palace, on the subject of 
Mr. Richmond's extempore preaching ; and it had been said, that 
no man could preach so accurately, as well as fluently, without a 
large portion of his sermon being duly transcribed. 



REV. LEGH RICHMOND. 181 

The notes, on inspectionj were found to occupy a very small space ; 
and we mention this little anecdote as another proof of that talent 
in extempore preaching for which he was so remarkable. 

Mr. Richmond continued to be honoured with the uniform 
marks of His Royal Highness's esteem and regard. And when 
that solemn event occurred, which was mourned by the nation at 
large, and by the friends of religion and humanity in particular, 
Mr. Richmond was one of those who followed his royal patron to 
the grave. There, as well as in various parts of the kingdom, 
where his public exertions called him, he heard many a testimony 
to the virtues, the zeal, and benevolence of this beloved and vene- 
rated prince. Charity in him lost its patron ; the cause of God its 
firm and unshaken supporter ; and illustrious rank its ornament 
and example. Testimonies like these are instructive to the living, 
while they are honourable to the dead. They prove that in this 
country, whenever exalted station is adorned with corresponding 
virtues, and consecrated to high and noble ends, it never fails to 
obtain the best of all kinds of homage— the homage of the heart. 

About this time, Mr. Richmond was visited with a domestic event, 
which threatened the most distressing consequences. Mrs. Rich- 
mond, after having given birth to another child, and being appa- 
rently recovered from the effects of her confinement, was attacked 
by a dangerous illness ; occasioned, as was supposed, b}^ an impru- 
dent exposure to the air. The symptoms became very alarming, a 
high fever followed, and after the utmost exertion of medical skill, 
and the most unremitting attention, her recovery was declared to 
be hopeless. 

The suddenness of this shock to the feelings of Mr. Richmond, 
who had long known her value, both as a wife and a mother, and 
the tender age of most of his children, gave to this dispensation the 
poignancy of the severest trial. Never can the writer forget the 
impressions made on his own mind at that period. In the expec- 
tation of her immediate dissolution, she had taken leave of all the 
members of her family. A very few of their more hitimate friends 
were permitted to see her on this occasion, and he was included in 
the number. On entering the room with another endeared friend, 
to pay this mournful visit, he was surprised to see an expression of 
joyful feeling on the countenance of the wife, and a calm and de- 
lightful serenity depicted on that of the husband. He could not 
help exclaiming— is this the chamber of Death ? Death was so 
stripped of its terrors, and religion so surrounded with all its con- 
solations, that the place looked more like the portals of heaven, than 

16 



182 MEMOIRS OF THE 

the gloomy vestibule of the tomb. The triumph of faith in the dying 
wife seemed to support the otherwise afflicted husband, and to im- 
part to him a corresponding elevation of feeling. He forgot for the 
moment liis own sorrows in her joys ; his own loss in her gain ; and 
did not wish to arrest her expected flight to the world of happy 
spirits, or indulge his grief, while she was rejoicing in the mercies 
of redeeming love. 

If this conduct of Mr. Richmond should excite surprise in any of 
our readers, let it be remembered that he w^as in the habit of esti- 
mating every thing by its reference to eternity ; and that tenderly 
as he was attached to his wife, and sensible of the importance of 
her life to himself and to his children, still the consciousness of 
her assured happiness w^as evidently the absorbing feeling of his 
mind at that time. God also gives extraordinary support under 
extraordinary trials. " A martyr's grace in a martyr's sufferings.'' 

" There is a time for all things." Nature and grace have their 
feelings, and there is a season for the lawful expression of both. 
The removal of the wife would doubtless have filled with the great- 
est sorrow that heart which now exulted in her triumphant pros- 
pects. The husband would weep, while the Christian rejoiced 
" with joy unspeakable and full of glory." 

It will be well, while we contemplate the triumph of faith and 
hope in others, that we should inquire what would be our own 
feelings in the hour of death, and under the pressure of affliction. 
Reader ! does death presort the appalling image of a dread eterni- 
ty to your mind, or does faith open to your view the prospect of a 
glorious immortality ! Time hurries on its rapid course. Sorrow, 
or joy — the cry of terror, or the song of victory, must sooner or 
later be the portion of every child of Adam. Be your's the trium- 
phant song — " Thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory, 
through our Lord Jesus Christ." 

The affectionate sympathy of Mr. Richmond's parishioners, at 
this trying season, deserves to be mentioned. The most fervent 
prayers had been offered daily for the recovery of Mrs. Richmond; 
and those prayers were heard. Contrary to all human expecta- 
tion, the symptoms of the disorder abated, and her life was spared. 
It seemed as if she had entered into the valley of the shadow of 
death — explored all its secret recesses— penetrated to its utmost 
confines, and seen the light which could alone dispel all its dark- 
ness ; and then — led by the hand of Him who says, " I kill, and I 
make alive : I wound, and I heal ;" she once more returned to the 
days of her pilgrimage, and survived to follow to the grave the 



REV LEGH RICHMOND. 183 

husband, who, thirteen years before, had resigned her to the mercy 
of his God. 

The following letter alludes to the circumstances above descri- 
bed :— 

" My dearest Friend, 

" A hasty line must tell you, that my dear wife has been danger- 
ously ill. On Saturday, her end appeared at hand, but she has 
since revived, and we entertain hope. 

" I never witnessed such a triumph of grace : it has shone more 
bright than tenderest hope could have expected. Jesus bore her 
through the most painful and affecting scene more than triumph- 
antly. Amongst other (as it then appeared, dying) requests, she 
desired that one of the little boy's names (the child whose birth 
has occasioned so much danger) should be a memorial of that dis- 
interested, affectionate, and highly-valued kindness which 2i friend 
indeed once shewed her and her's in a time of need : that name 
will be Pellatt. She breathed a most grateful message to you at 
the same time. Her manner of taking leave of me and our eight 
children around her bed, was more striking than you can conceive, 
or I can describe. 

" Pray for us, and give a line to 

" Your grateful friend, 

" Legh Richmond." 

Mr. Richmond ever considered the education of the young as 
forming one very important part of his ministerial duties. His heart 
was much interested in this work, and he was singularly blessed in 
it. He diligently fed the lambs of his flock ; and, as we have al- 
ready stated, the first-fruits of his ministry in the Isle of Wight and 
at Turvey were found amongst them. 

At Turvey he had been accustomed to assemble the children of 
the parish in a room taken out of a barn adjoining the rectory, but 
which was too small to accommodate the numbers that attended. 
Hitherto the instruction had been confined to the Sabbath-day. 
Mr. Richmond felt anxious to afford the children the additional 
advantage of week day lessons in reading, writing, and arithmetic, 
on the National plan. With this view, he determined to erect a 
school-house ; a piece of ground in the centre of the village 
was given for the purpose, by John Higgins, Esq., and the ob- 
iect was ultimately accomplislied by the aid of the National Soci- 
ety, and the contributions of numerous friends. 



184 MEMOIRS OF THE 

We here insert a letter on this subject, written by Mr. Richmond 

to Thomas Pellatt, Esq. 

'• My dear Friend, 
"It is common in this vicinity, when any person is subject to 
epileptic fits, that they go about from house to house, begging for 
a piece of silver money at each. AMien they have obtained as 
many sixpences and shiUings, (the more, they apprehend, the bet- 
ter,) they get them all melted down into one amalgamated ring : 
this charm they wear, and they fancy it cures their fits. This 
may or may not be wise ; but I have also my sort of fit ; and that 
is, the building and carrying on a pastoral school, under my own 
care and labour, for all the poor children of my parish, without 
exception : and local resources being inadequate, I beg about for 
precious metal, to be amalgamated into a ring of personal friend- 
ship and general benevolence, for the support of my school ; not 
that I expect to be cured myself of my fit of anxiety for the poor's 
sake, but that I do hope for the cure of much sin and ignorance in 
their hearts, hves, and houses, through God's blessing on this union 
of charitable aid. 

'• Having said thus much, do you feel it right to give my poor 
children either a donation, or annual subscription, or both, or nei- 
ther ? Your name is already incorporated, not only with my 
heart but with my child. It would gratify me to record it in my 
parochial book also. But be assured, that if you refuse me, (and 
pray do so without resene, if you see good reason for it,) I shall 
ascribe your non-compliance solely to the purest motives. My 
school, both in its erection and continuance, is, and will be, a mo- 
nument of personal esteem to me, and of charity to my poor chil- 
dren. 

'' Your faithful friend, 

" Legh Richmond.'' 

The fidelity of detail which we have prescribed to ourselves in 
the execution of the present Memoir, compels us to advert to a 
subject of peculiar delicacy. Though it was the object of Mr. 
Richmond to train up his family, from their earliest youth, in those 
principles which he himself professed and adorned ; circumstances 
of a painful nature occurred in tne conduct of his eldest son Nu- 
gent. It cannot fail to afl^ict the mind of a pious parent, when he 
perceives no fruit from the seeds of piety, which he has been anx- 
ious to implant in the hearts of his children. Yet this is far from 



REV. LEGH RICHMOND. 185 

being an uncommon case; children do not always adopt the views, 
or walk in the steps of those who have gone before them ; unhap- 
pily, examples are not wanting in the families of pious parents, of 
greater evils in the conduct of their children, than are generally 
found even amongst the worldly and the unbelieving. Such grie- 
vous disappointments may, perhaps, be traced in many instances 
to the neglect, the weakness, or the inconsistency of the parents, 
who are rebuked and chastised by the Almighty, in the iniquity of 
their offspring : yet in other cases, trials may be permitted, to exer- 
cise faith, deepen repentance, quicken diligence, and excite to more 
frequent and fervent supplications at a throne of grace. But what- 
ever be the cause of these mournful dispensations, they certainly 
confirm the views and declarations of Scripture, respecting the aw- 
ful condition of our fallen nature. They show that where the 
heart is not renewed by divine grace, the best instructions and the 
brightest examples are without effect. 

Mr. Richmond used every means in the power of a Christian 
parent, to instruct his children, and to restrain their evil propensi- 
ties. Neither solemn expostulations, nor tender entreaties, nor fer- 
vent prayers, were wanting ; but they were in this case apparently 
without effect. At length, discovering that his son, now sixteen 
years of age, evinced a decided predilection for a sea-faring life, 
(one of the last occupations in which he wished to see him enga- 
ged ;) he conferred with a valued friend in the Transport Office, 
by whose advice it was ultimately arranged that Nugent should 
embark in a merchant's vessel destined to Ceylon. 

These circumstances deeply wounded Mr. Richmond's paternal 
feelings, and required the utmost exercise of his principles to sup- 
port him under them. It was a disappointment of the keenest kind. 
This was his first-born son, and in the days of tender infancy he 
had fondly devoted him to be a minister of the sanctuary. But 
the plant was blighted in the bud. Yet he submitted with a confi- 
ding, though mournful spirit, to the will of God ; he met his son at 
Deptford ; urged whatever affection and duty could suggest ; visited 
him again for the last time at Portsmouth, where the vessel had 
arrived ; and having presented him with a Bible, which he conjured 
him carefully to peruse, he committed him to that God wlio has 
promised, " I will pour my spirit upon thy seed, and my blessing 
upon thine offspring."— (7;9a. xliv. 3.) He saw the vessel proceed 
on her voyage with emotions better conceived than described, and 
lingered on the shore till its white sails were discernible no longer. 

The name of the ship was the Arniston. The expected time of ab- 

16* 



186 MEMOIRS OF THE 

sence was two years. Mr. Richmond received letters from his son, 
during the voyage, as he arrived at Madeira, and afterwards at the 
Cape of Good Hope, in the month of September ; and finally from 
Ceylon, dated at Colombo, which place he reached in Janu- 
ary, 1815. 

These letters expressed regret for his past conduct, and a hope 
that lie might one day prove a consolation to his parents; other 
letters which he subsequently wrote were to the same effect. 

About sixteen months afterwards, Mr. Richmond read the afflict- 
ing account, in the public prints, that the Arniston, on its return 
from Ceylon to Europe, had been lost in a dreadful gale of wind, 
near the Cape of Good Hope ; and that there was reason to fear 
that every person on board had perished. Wlio can describe the 
feelings which, at that moment, rent the hearts of the unhappy 
parents ? The intelligence was brought by a vessel from the Cape, 
which had heard the report on its voyage homewards. Still, no of- 
ficial intelligence had reached this country. Mr. Richmond waited 
the result with the most painful anxiety. Information was at 
length received, that the vessel was wrecked near Cape Lagullas, 
and that every passenger on board had perished, with the exception 
of six persons, whose names were specified ; in which number Mr. 
Richmond's son was not mentioned. 

The whole family wxnt into mourning ; and the father sorrow- 
ed for his lost child with a grief unmitigated by the communica- 
tion of any cheering circumstance as to the state of his mind, or 
his fitness for so sudden a change. 

About three months afterwards, a letter was delivered to Mr. 
Richmond in the hand-writing of the very son whom he mourned 
as dead ; announcing that he was alive — that circumstances had 
prevented his setting sail in the Arniston, of whose fate he seemed 
to be unconscious •, and communicating details of his present en- 
gagements and future prospects ! The transition of feeling to 
which the receipt of this letter gave rise, produced an effect almost 
as overwlielming as tliat which the report of his death had occa- 
sioned. The family mourning was laid aside, and Mr. Richmond 
trusted he might recognise, in this signal interposition of divine 
Providence, a ground for hope that his child's present deliverance 
was a pledge of that spiritual recovery, which ^Vas now alone 
wanting to fill up the measure of his gratitude and praise. 

The following letters, written during the period of painful sus- 
pense, equaUy discover the heart of the parent, and the piety of the 
Christian. 



REV. LEGH RICHMOND. 187 

" My dear Mary, 

" On my return last night from the scenery of that perfect 
Paradise, the district of the Lakes, I found your triple letter. 
With a heart responsive to your own, and whose happiness depends 
on yours, I throw myself along with you at the footstool of grace 
and mercy, and say. Not my will, but thine be done, O Lord ! Be 
calm, be very calm, my love, and wait the Lord's will. It appears, 
doubtless, more probable that the commissioners of the Transport 
OiRce, and the ship-owners, should know the fact, than others. 
Mr. H. argues on that ground ; and it is our wisdom to follow him 
and pause. Perhaps the. report is designed of God, to do us good: 
nay, can I doubt it ? If it should prove true, the temporary check 
given to it has a lenient and merciful tendency, to prepare our 
minds for events ; if false, it must call forth our gratitude, when it 
shall be proved so. It can be no subject of wonder to either you 
or me, that accidents should happen amidst the perils of the seas. 
I have ever felt it a duty to my own feelings, to look upon such as 
at all times probable ; and so, I am persuaded, have you. After all 
that we have gone through on that trying subject, I hope we are 
prepared to view all its contingencies, as those who have experi- 
enced too much mercy from our God and Saviour, not to trust him 
in the darker and more mysterious providences with which he may 
see good to try us. I perfectly accord with you, in the most wil- 
ling surrender of his life, if his soul be but safe : and if it has pleased 
God to remove him in this way, why should we wholly despair 
of answers to prayer ? I have faith in that very prayer you offered 
up in May last for him,* and in many others which you have sent 
forth to heaven in his behalf Knowing nothing but what your 
letter affords me, I shall wait, and cast my burden on the Lord. 
Do you the same ; and then we shall sweetly meet at the throne 
of Grace, in daily unity and blessed accord. I could never for an 
instant doubt that God had some designs of wisdom and love in 
the trials of last May ; and I hope amongst them is a more calm, 
resigned, hopeful, d||d solid state of mind, as it concerns our son. 
I will, therefore, for the present, close the subject, with an earnest 
prayer, that you and I may mutually cast our care on him who 
careth for us, who preserveth us daily, and crowneth our unwor- 
thiness with his mercies. He has a right to it, and we will not 
rob him of the honour of keeping us as the apple of his eye. So 
he giveth his beloved rest. Amen !" 

* During" the period of her dangerous i lines*. 



188 MEMOIRS OF THE 

*' My dear Mother, 

''We thank you from our hearts, for all your kindness. We 
feel a calm resignation to the will of God in this new trial, and 
recognise evidences of his covenant love in the consolations which 
he vouchsafes us. Nature and memory will now and then be very 
busy, and we feel greatly. Then we think of the efficacy of 
prayer, in connexion with promise, and are strengthened and sup- 
ported. I doubt not that a veil is permitted to be thrown over the 
last nine months of poor dear Nugent's life, in order that faith and 
hope may have a ground for exercise. I am willing to believe, 
that, in addition to all others, the prayers of his apparently dying 
moihcY, a fortnight before the sliipwreck, were too fervent and 
spiritually effectual not to avail much for her son. 'The promise 
is to you and to your children, and to them that are afar off' 

" The people here once more assemble in crowds at prayer- 
meetings, for us: above 250 gathered together last night. Much 
sympathy prevails ; and I trust God is making ' all things work 
together for the good of them tliat love him, and are the called ac- 
cording to his purpose.' My dear wife exhibits all the grace and 
Christianity of last May, on the present occasion. She is inces- 
santly occupied : she devotes four entire hours to the boys alone, 
daily, independently of the three hours which they pass with Mr. 
Garrard. The remainder is appropriated to the other children 
and the household. She has high ideas of the duties both of a 
wife and mother, and seems to lay herself out for both, with a mix- 
ture of good sense and piety which I have never seen exceeded, 
seldom equalled. God gives her great strength of mind at present, 
although she often testifies debility of body and spirits. You may 
write to her without fear. I was prepared, by contradictory re- 
ports, for some weeks past, to meet the confirmation of this sad 
catastrophe, and so was my dear wife, in a measure: but last Satur- 
day morning, as we and the three elder girls, were breakfasting at 
Mr. Livius's, at Bedford, the newspaper, containing the whole me- 
lanclu)ly narrative, was taken up by my wife, and she instantly 
and suddenly saw the account. It was a trying hour, and we all 
melted. Friends in need are friends indeed, and amongst our 
greatest earthly mercies. Nobody but ourselves can rightly esti- 
mate this trial, because none else can know what we went through 
on that poor boy's account. Thank God, we cannot reproach 
ourselves — we did the best we could, from his birth. The Lord 
saw fit to try us, but it was in wisdom and love. We dreaded his 
return to England, unless he was greatly changed : but who shall 



REV. LEGH RICHMOND. 189 

say that the great change was not wrought, through his own trials 
and sufferings, sanctified of God to his soul ? Poor boy ! when his 
watery grave appeared to be his immediate and only refuge, he 
must have thought of his poor parents, and needed a friend and 
counsellor. But I hope God was better to him. than any earthly 
friend — and then, all is well, for him and us too. A thousand 
thoughts sometimes crowd into our minds, and make us weep. 
Then comes the kind Redeemer, and wipes away the tears from 
our eyes. ^ This is the victory that overcometh the world, even 
our faith.' Your affectionate son, 

" L. Richmond." 

The following pastoral letter alludes to the same subject : — 
" My dear Friends, 

" I expected to have the satisfaction of speaking to you this day 
from the pulpit, after a journey, during which I have seen much of 
the blessing of God, both in my public labours and my private in- 
tercourse ; — but we know not what a day may bring forth ! It has 
pleased Him with whom are the issues of life and death, to bring 
me acquainted with the event of the death of my first-born child, 
by shipwreck, on the shores of Africa, on the 30th of May last. 
I know that I have many dear friends amongst you, who will 
feel for me under this trial, and make allowance for my state of 
mind, as not permitting me to come out this day. Nevertheless, 
I wish you to hear something of my thoughts, and to know how 
a covenant God and Saviour supports me under this bereavement. 
I have, therefore, desired that you would gather together as many 
friends and neighbours as you can for prayer. We feel most 
thankful to God, and to you, for your prayers, when my dear 
partner seemed to be dying ; and believe that the Lord heard 
you. We think that he will hear you again, when you ask that 
this trial may be sanctified to us, and over-ruled to God's glory, 
and the final comfort of many a soul. 

" You are none of you ignorant that it pleased God to permit 
grievous exercises of mind to befall his parents, through some cir- 
cumstances connected with the conduct of this now departed 
youth ; and I believe that very many of you have felt much for us 
before now, on this account. Yet we feel it to be a great mercy, 
that, making all necessary allowances for human defects and fail- 
ings, we cannot reproach ourselves with misconduct towards him. 
W did what we believed to be right and best for him, from his in- 
fancy : the precepts, the principles, the instructions, and the exam- 



IN MEMOIRS OF THE 

pies which we endeavoured to set before him, were, to the utmost 
of our power, according to the word of God, to the time of his 
leavinir us. And then we were perfectly satisfied that God, in- his 
provid(Micc, had opened the best and o/i/y possible way of avoiding 
greater evils, when he showed us and our child that it was right 
and necessary he should choose a sea-life, as his appointed path. 
However contrary to our former wishes, we submitted to the will 
of God ; and he very cheerfully set out on his voyage. The God 
who saw good that this should be his lot and portion, has forbidden 
his return home again ; and our boy has gone the way of all flesh. 
* The Lord gave, and the Lord hath taken away — blessed be the 
name of the Lord ! ' But here is our hope and consolation. Near- 
ly eighteen years' prayers have been unceasingly offered up for his 
spiritual welfare, and I believe that none of those prayers were 
unavailing. Only a fortnight before the time at which he died, 
his mother was wrestling in earnest and believing prayer, for Ai.* 
soul to be reconciled to God. The Lord heard her for herself; 
and may we not hope that he who says, ' the promise is to you 
and to your children,' would hear her for him likewise? More- 
over, you prayed earnestly for her and for him too ; and the Lord 
heard you for her — why not for him likewise ? All these things 
appear to the eye of my faith, as links in the chain of grace ; and 1 
do therefore hope, that, amidst the trials and wonders of the deep, 
faith and repentance might be granted to our poor boy, before he 
departed hence, and was no more seen. parents ! learn to pray 
for yourselves, and then you shall be heard for your children. 
We are most thankful to God, for enabling us to take this view of 
his covenant love, and to build hope on this Rock of ages. 

'• Some of you will remember him with affection, although you 
used to mourn over his errors. I sincerely hope you will yet meet 
him in a better world — where shall be neither sin nor sorrow, and 
where no acts of real kindness to your fellow-creatures will be 
forgotten. 

" I have often called on you as missionary friends ; and I hope I 
shall prevail on still more of you to help the cause of poor injured 
Africa. 

" We seem to have now another strong feeling towards the 
-liores of Africa. Poor Nugent rtes buried there ! and our mis- 
sionary pennies and pounds are going to a country, which his 
father loves for the negro's and the Hottentot's sake, as well as 
because his son has there found a grave. May the living and the 
dead in Africa experience the blessing of ttie Lord ! 



REV. LEGH RICHMOND. 191 

" Grace, peace, and mercy, be upon you all ! I hope His presence 
will be with you, when you meet for prayer ; and if (as may be 
probably the case) some may not be with you the first time you 
hear this, call another meeting, and read this letter again, so that 
all may hear it who wish to do so. And believe me, with much 
Christian love, to be 

" Your affectionate friend and minister, 

" Legh Richmond." 

We have already alluded to ^ the Fathers of the English Church,' 
and to a respectable body of the clergy, at whose earnest entreaty, 
and on whose promise of support, Mr. Richmond undertook that 
important publication. At the same time, they submitted to his 
consideration the propriety of confining his selections from the 
writings of the Reformers to four octavo volumes. 

In yielding to the wishes of his clerical brethren, amongst whom 
was the late Mr. Robinson, of Leicester, and Dr. Gilbee, the 
rector of Barby, in Northamptonshire, he considered the whole 
body of* his advisers as responsible for the expenses, and pledged 
to carry him through the hazard of the undertaking : and with 
this idea, he announced the proposed work, under the sanction of a 
joint editorship. The selection was, however, left to his own dis- 
cretion ; and trusting too implicitly to the reputation and merits 
of the Reformers, and judging of the public mind by his own esti- 
mation of their writings, he extended the work to eight volumes. 
Admitting the value of his materials, we still question the propriety 
of increasing the size of the publication ; not only because the 
risk was doubled^ but also, because the purchase was thereby ren- 
dered too expensive for the generality of theological readers. 
Whatever might be the cause, the sale was comparatively slow. It 
neither fulfilled the expectations of Mr. Richmond and his friends, 
nor was it in any way commensurate with the sterling value of the 
work. The spirit of the age v/as not sufficiently advanced to ap- 
preciate the importance of such an undertaking, though its merits 
are now generally admitted, and it has become a book of acknow- 
ledged reference. And yet it was allowed by competent judges, 
that the editor had performed his office of selection with great 
fidelity ; including the sentiments of all, and excluding none ; 
mingling with them no comments of his own, but leaving the 
reader to the free and unfettered exercise of his judgment. 

Worldly policy, however, was not one of the qualifications of 
ibe subject of this Memoh' : he was by no means fitted for transac- 



192 MEMOIRS OF THE 

tions of a secular nature. None possessed more of the harmless- 
ness of the dove— few had less of the cautious prudence of the 
serpent.* 

The sale of ' The Fathers' was insufficient to defray the expenses 
of publication ; and in the summer of 1814, on a balance of ac- 
counts, it appeared that Mr. Richmond was indebted to his publisher 
in the sum of 2000Z. ; and that he had no means of defraying this 
large amount, but by the stock in hand. 

These pecuniary embarrassments lay heavy on the mind of Mr. 
Richmond, and deeply affected his spirits. His depression was 
observed by his friends ; but it was not without difficulty he was 
prevailed on to disclose the cause. He was a man of most delicate 
feeling, and shrunk from the idea of calling on others for relief. 

The knowledge of these facts induced many of his friends to 
exert themselves in the sale of ' the Fathers ;' and by their exer- 
tions, in the course of about fifteen months, the whole debt was 
discharged. 

It is not intended, by the above remarks, to reflect on the parties 
with whom the work originated, or on the persons employed in 
its publication : yet it is but common justice to our much-esteemed 
friend to explain to the world a transaction, to which no small 
blame has been attached, yet in which nothing is to be regretted 
but the increased size of the work, and his want of knowledge in 
the business-part of its publication. In the pecuniary transactions 
of life, Mr. Richmond preserved an undeviating rectitude. With 
an income never exceeding 400Z. or 500/. till within a few years of 
his decease ; and with a family of twelve children, to be maintained 
and educated, (with the exception of two, who died in infancy,) it 
is much to his credit that he provided things honest in the sight of 
all men, * owing no man any thing,' and depending only on his own 
resources. With respect to the difficulties arising from the publi- 
cation of ' the Fathers,' he ever considered himself entitled to 
public sympathy and relief, having undertaken the work, not 
indeed with the security of legal instruments, yet with the implied 
engagement of an adequate support. Whether he was right in 
this supposition, we are not prepared to decide. The history of 
this transaction conveys, however, an impressive lesson to all can- 

♦ Mr. Richmond's aversion to the affairs of this Ufe, and his consequent un- 
fitness for them, is pourtraycd in the following anecdote : — He was on a visit 
to his friend Mr. F., who excused his absence })y saying" — " 1 must leave you 
or an hour, Richmond, to do penance at our parish vestry." " If," replied 
Mr. Richmond, " it is penance to you, it would be a perfect purgutory to me," 



REV. LEGH RICHMOND. 193 

didates for the press, not to engage too precipitately in the dangers 
and risks of authorship ; but to calculate the consequences, and by 
wise and judicious arrangements, to endeavour to ensure success, 
or to anticipate the possibility of failure. 

The following letter shows the strength of his faith, and his im- 
pUcit reliance on the promises of God, amidst his difficulties. 

" Huddersfield, August 23, 1814. 
"With the most affectionate love, regard, and estimation, my 
dearest Mary, I must expostulate with you, on this mistrustful and 
despondent view which you seem too willing to indulge. I may 
say, what has God done, in his whole course of providential mer- 
cies for eighteen years, that we should not, to the fullest extent, 
trust Him with ourselves, our fortunes, and our children, for the 
time to come ? Will mistrust of our only Provider and Protector, 
render us less likely to meet with trials ? I am too deeply sensible, 
and grateful also for your conduct and feeling on the general sub- 
ject of domestic matters, not to enter most heartily into them. 
But as you have asked my advice on your state of mind, I do most 
earnestly conjure you to consider the genuine meaning of those 
texts — ' Take no thought for the morrow ;' and, ^ Be careful for no- 
thing, but in every thing by prayer and supplication, with thanks- 
giving, let your requests be made known unto God,' &c. (PhiL 
iv. 6, 7,) See also 1 Peter v. 7; Psalm Iv. 22; and many more. 
I am persuaded that mistrust of God's providential care is a beset- 
ting sin of many of God's children, and hinders much of their 
peace, comfort, and usefulness. You are not justified, my dear 
Mary, in foreboding evil to yourself and your children. How 
many clergymen with large families have much fewer comforts, 
and worse prospects ? God has blessed us too much in many points 
of view, to warrant such sad conclusions and gloomy doubts. 
Pray lay these things more unconditionally on the Lord, and He 
will infallibly prepare, strengthen, and support you in every thing. 
What has he not done to prove this? It is the joy of my heart to 
hope and think that your merciful restoration to me and mine, is 
to exemplify a lasting confidence in the wisdom, love, and power 
of that God, who so delightfully brought you through the greatest 
of all trials, in the valley of death, leaning on his rod and his staff. 
May God enable you to keep up my spirits as well as your own, 
by the belief, that he who hath done, will axso do, all things well. 
It is my perfect persuasion that by faith we are saved, in body as 

17 



194 MEMOIRS OF THE 

well as in soul. Therefore, with the minutest attention to every 
prudent and active means, ' Only beheve !' is the Christian's motto." 

During the Emperor Alexander's visit to this country-, Mr. Rich- 
mond had the gratification of meeting him at Portsmouth. Mr. 
Richmond had ascended a lofty tower in the dock-yard, and from 
its summit was viewing, through a telescope, the surrounding ob- 
jects, when his Imperial Majesty and suite unexpectedly entered. 
Mr. Richmond offered to withdraw ; but the Emperor would not 
consent, saying — *• Perhaps, sir, you are acquainted with the points 
of view before us ?" Mr. Richmond assured him he well knew 
ever}' spot in the neighbourhood ; and drawing out his telescope, 
directed the eye of the Emperor to the different objects worthy of 
notice. After a long and interesting conversation with his Majesty, 
before they separated, Mr. Richmond said — "I avail myself of this 
opportunity to thank your Imperial Majesty, in my oa^ti name, 
and in that of all the friends of the Bible Society in England, for 
the distinguished patronage and support that your Majesty has 
shown to the same cause in Russia.'' The Emperor obligingly re- 
plied — '* Sir, my thanks are rather due to your country, and to the 
friends of the cause : for had it not been for your example, we 
should have had no Bible Society in Russia." 

Some months after this remarkable interview, Mr. Richmond 
inclosed a copy of his Tracts, with the following letter, to his Im- 
perial Majesty. 

'* May it please your Imperial Majesty, 
" An offer has been made to me by the Rev. Mr. Paterson, of 
conveying a copy of the book which accompanies this letter to your 
Imperial Majesty, through the kindness and condescension of His 
Excellency the Prince Galitzin. 

" In presuming to take this liberty, I am influenced, not by the 
opinion which I myself entertain as to the value of the contents of 
the volume, but by the firm persuasion which I hold, that the Chris- 
tian sentiments which form the foundation of those simple narra- 
tives, are dear to your Majesty's heart. 

^'Your Majesty's public conduct and avowed principles have 
tended to convince me, that neither the splendour of imperial dig- 
nity, nor the glory of military conquests, are, in your Majesty's 
estimation, comparable to the privileges and blessings which Chri*- 



REV. LEGH RICHMOND. 195 

tianity alone can confer on those who live under the influence of 
the Gospel of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. 

" In the belief and hope that it is your Majesty's desire to pro- 
mote the temporal and eternal interests of the people of Russia, 
by an instrument however apparently small and unworthy, which 
God may see good to bless, I submit this little volume to your Ma- 
jesty's candid acceptance. 

" These short ' Annals of the Poor' have been made very useful 
through the mercy and power of God, to many in this country. 
England is now attached to Russia, not only by past political and 
friendly relations, but much more than ever, by your Majesty's 
dignified and condescending deportment, during your recent visit 
to this kingdom. May the King of kings, who is alike the Lord 
of Russia and of Britain, make use of even so feeble an instrument 
as this little volume, to convey some of the spiritual blessings 
which have attended its publication in Britain, to the utmost ex- 
tent of your Majesty's dominions. 

" When your Majesty shall be pleased to receive this book, may 
the author of it be permitted to remind your Majesty, that he is the 
same individual whom your Majesty saw at the summit of the lofty 
tower, in the dock-yard at Portsmouth, on Friday, June 24th last; 
and who then had the unexpected honour of lending your Majesty 
the telescope with which your Majesty surveyed the surrounding 
prospect. The kind and condescending manner in which your 
Majesty was pleased to notice an English stranger on that occasion, 
is recollected with the sincerest satisfaction and gratitude, whilst I 
now present this volume to your Majesty's notice. 

"Your Majesty will be pleased to allow me, as a minister of the 
Gospel, to conclude by praying Almighty God, that His grace, 
peace, and mercy, may be abundantly poured down upon your 
Majesty, and upon the people of your extensive dominions, over 
whom he has given you the earthly sovereignty. 

" May the Gospel of the blessed Jesus prosper among the subjects 
of all the Russias ; and that it may be your Majesty's chief crown 
of rejoicing, in the great day of his appearance, is the supplica- 
tion of 

"Your Imperial Majesty's 

" Most obedient and unworthy servant, 

"Legh Richmond." 

The following reply was received by Mr. Riclmiond from his 
Imperial Majesty, accompanied with a ring of considerable value: 



196 MEMOIRS OF THE 

"Reverend Sir, 

"The copy of your book, entitled, 'Annals of the Poor,' was, 
according to your desire, presented to liis Imperial Majesty, the 
Emperor Alexander, by me, together with your letter, and accept- 
ed by his Majesty, with the greatest satisfaction. Tlie object of this 
volume, the promotion of Christian charity and truly religious sen- 
timents, renders it most valuable and interesting in the eyes of the 
Emperor, who desires notliing so much as to see the principles of 
the Gospel of Jesus Christ our Saviour, more and more universal 
in his dominions, and in the whole world. 

'' On this occasion, his Imperial Majesty recollected also having 
made your acquaintance in Portsmouth, under the circumstances 
you describe in your letter. 

'• In consequence of all this, his Majesty ordered me to deposit 
your book in the Library of the Imperial Humane Society, and to 
send the ring which accompanies this letter, as a mark of his true 
esteem for you, and high approbation of your work. 

" It is very agreeable to me, in thus fulfilling the order of my so- 
vereign, to assure you of the sincere esteem with which I have the 
honour to be 

" Your most obedient servant, 

"Alexander Galitzix." 
''St. Petersburgh, January 14, 1817." 

Mr. Richmond also presented a copy of his 'Young Cottager' 
to Princess Sophia Metstchersky, who first translated the tract of 
the Dairyman's Daughter into the Russian language. This noble 
lady's time and influence are consecrated to the cause of religion, 
and many instances are recorded of her usefulness. May her dis 
tinguished example inspire a like zeal in others of the same eleva- 
ted rank ; and may the time soon arrive when the crown and the 
coronet shall universally be laid at the foot of the cross of the 
Redeemer ! 

He received from her highness the following answer: — 

" Reverend Sir, 

" I have been hesitating for some days if I should stop to an- 
swer you till Mr. Pinkerton would be here, in hope that he would 
help me to express my gratitude for your kind letter and valuable 
present in proper time; but I am afraid it will be too long, and you 
will perhaps suppose me indifferent and ungrateful, so I venture to 
send you my bad English without correction. 



REV. LEGH RICHMOND. 197 

" Remember, dear Sir, that I am but a scholar, a very new one, 
and quite unfit to correspond with such a man as you, thougli my 
soul is capable of loving you as a brother and friend in Christ 
Jesus ', and of admiring you as a chosen servant of his, a vessel 
unto honour, sanctified and meet for the Master's use, and for the 
edification and comfort of his children. Yes, Sir, I hope I am 
united to you in one body and soul, which is Christ Jesus the 
Saviour ; and I say, with ' Little Jane,' that I am happy to be even 
the smallest and lowest of all his members. How much I delighted 
in reading this narrative ; how wonderful the grace of our Lord ! 
how happy the country where children are brought up in the fear 
of God, and taught so young to love and serve the Saviour ! what 
an eminent Christian — so young a child ! But this is neither to be 
taught nor learnt. He alone can give it, who is love itself, and 
who purchased us to himself by shedding his precious blood for us. 
Oh, Sir ! you do not know, perhaps, to what an unworthy being 
you wrote. I have passed all my life in the ignorance of Him 
who died for me ; without love to Him who loved me first, and 
sought me out, when I hastened to my ruin in a life of enmity to 
my God. He sought me out, and mercifully sent His servant Pin- 
kerton to open my eyes and my ears by the power of His word, 
so that I plainly see now what a sinful, wicked creature I am : 
what a gracious, merciful God to offend ! and how kind, and always 
ready and willing to receive us, our Saviour Jesus Christ is, and 
always will be ! How good He was to me, sending such a meek, 
patient, loving soul, as the worthy Mr. Pinkerton proved to be 
during his living in my family.* What a life of disgust it must 
have been to a man of his distinguished merit, to bear with the 
caprices and wickedness of a spoiled, ignorant, and proud woman ; 
but ' charity seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked, beareth 
all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things : charity never 
faileth :' I have an evident proof of it in my dear friend and in- 
structor. But I must stop, and ask to be forgiven for having 
written so much : my heart opens at the voice of a friend, and then 
I speak out of the fulness of it. Excuse me, then, Sir, for intru- 
ding so much upon your time. Pray for me, that I may come in 
faith and grace to the happy day, in which I shall be enabled to 
join with you in joyful hallelujahs and eternal praises of our 
heavenly Father and divine Saviour. Oh, may his peace always 

♦ Mr. (now Dr.) Pinkerton, was entrusted with the education of this distin- 
guished lady's children. 



119 MEMOIRS OF THE 

be with you ! Receive with indulgence, dear Sir, my hearty 
thanks ; and the assurance of the sincere esteem and high regard 
with which I am 

" Your much obhged and obedient, 

" P. Sophia Metstchersky.'* 

The letters to Mrs. Livius, which are next inserted, were written 
about this period, and the editor cannot recur to them without 
feelings of the liveliest emotion. They allude to an excellent and 
highly valued character, the late George Livius, Esq. who is en- 
deared to the writer by recollections which time cannot impair — 
which live not only in the memory, but in the heart. He once 
knew the world, but had long retired from it, and left it in pursuit 
of a better. He was the well-known Gains* of the county where 
he lived— the lover of good men, of whatever name or title : he 
was purified in the furnace of affliction ; but his trials are now 
terminated, and he has entered on those blest abodes where rest is 
promised to the weary, and where sorrow and sighing flee away ?t 

The editor trusts he shall be pardoned this short indulgence of 
awakened feeling towards one who was his father-in-law, and who 
eminently united to the interesting qualities that adorn the man, the 
principles and graces that constitute the Christian. 

" Nov. 15, 1816. 
" My dear Madam, 
" Permit me to exercise the Christian privilege of at once con- 
doling and consoling. Often have I felt with and for you, as it 
has long respected your departed son ; yet I doubt not, every pang 
of his, and every grief, have alike had their allotted embassy, 
and that a message of mercy to both. The valley of tears is 
strewed with rocks and thorns, and the pathway often lies through 
deep waters : yet the rocks are placed there by him who is em- 

* A name given to him, expressive of his hospitality. St. Paul alludes to 
Gaius, as the host by whom he was entertained. Romans xvi. 23. 

t The following anecdote deserves to be preserved, relating to this gentle- 
man. He was formerly resident in India, where he held an important office, 
in the time of Warren Hasting-s. Being some time after requested by Mr. 
Burke, who conducted the celebrated impeachment of Governor Hastingrs, to 
furnish him with some fresh cliarges, of which it was known that IMr. Livius 
was in possession, tlie latter inquired what number he already intended to 
prefer? "We have now," replied Mr. Burke, "twenty-seven charges 
against him." "Then," said Mr. Livius, "I will not add one more to the 
number, for you have twenty too many." 



REV. LEGH RICHMOND. 199 

pliatically the Rock ; the thorn of care is not unaccompanied by 
the Rose of Sharon ; and in the deep waters God has promised to 
deUver. If this valley be a wilderness, it is one through which his 
people are journeying, and in the midst of its darkest shades they 
fear no evil, for He is with them ; his rod and staff are their sup- 
port and consolation. Is it not so, my honoured friend 1 That you 
and I may ever prove it, is the sincere prayer of my dear wife 
and of 

" Your affectionate Friend, 

" Legh Richmond." 

« Nov. 23, 1816. 

" My dear Madam, 

" Allow me once more to express the friendly solicitude which 
I feel for you and my honoured friend Mr. Livius, under your re 
cent and present trial.* His strength and spirits would not admit 
of my saying all which my heart dictated when I saw him yester 
day. I wish him to know how much I have valued his friendship, 
and how grateful I feel for a series of hospitality and kindness of no 
ordinary character, for a period of now near eleven years. I v^sh 
him to know that I have ever been a sympathising observer of his 
bodily sufferings ; and have entertained a cordial esteem and regard 
for his many amiable and excellent qualities of head and heart. 

" The confidential intercourse with which, at various periods, he 
has been pleased to favour me, cannot be obliterated from my re- 
collection, nor effaced from my affections. It is my heart's prayer 
that his consolations may be ^ neither few nor small ;' that the peace 
of God may be his resting-pillow, and that God will ^ make his bed 
in all his sickness.' Not one affliction has ever befallen him beyond 
what his heavenly Father designed for his present and eternal 
good. Wisdom, mercy, power, and faithfulness, have guided all. 
May each of his children be blessed with a heart taught by the same 
spirit who hath taught him and you to look to the Strong One for 
help ; and may they be effectually preserved from the snares and 
delusions of this present evil world. 

" May you, my dear friend, be upheld by a Saviour's power and 
love, to fulfil every arduous task which his wisdom assigns you. 
Forgive this intrusion, solely prompted by grateful friendship. 
A-Ccept our united assurances of love for you and yours." 

♦ The death of one of their sons, and the dangerous illness of Mr. Liviufl. 



900 MEMOIRS OF THE 

" Dec, 18, 1816. 
" My very dear Friend, 

"It is fit that tlie same moment wliich brings me the long-ex- 
pected, yet afflicting tidings of my much-loved friend's departure 
from this vale of tears, should dictate a few sympathetic lines to 
his dear relict. Your mind has long waited this event, with Chris- 
tian resignation. May the Spirit of power and peace bless his own 
preparation, now that the hour of trial has arrived ! You have the 
prayers of many friends to mingle with your own. These, in 
God's sight, are riches. May you enjoy them spiritually and eter- 
nally. ' Tribulation workelh patience ; patience, experience ; ex- 
perience, hope;' hope thou therefore in God. Time is swiftly 
passing away, and its stream is gradually absorbed in eternity. 
Our years roll on, and we shall soon be there ; and there we shall 
meet those who have loved Christ, and loved us. There, dear ma- 
dam, in the bosom of your Saviour and God, you shall meet your 
dear husband. Till then, may faith, hope, peace, tranquillity, and 
love, gild your horizon, like resplendent clouds round the setting 
sun, prophetic of a bright approaching morning. Christ has be- 
queathed his peace to you ; take it as his legacy, and use it to his 
glory. Mrs. Richmond unites in affectionate regards to you and all 
yours, under this present trial, with 

" Your affectionate friend, 

"LeGH RlCHMONll." 



We close the chapter with a pleasing little poetical effusion, 
written about the same time :— 



A WIDOWED MOTHER'S ADDRESS TO HER DAUGHTER, ON THE DAY OF 
HER MARRL\GE. 

Say, why should my bosom thus heave with a sigh, 
And the tear of affection now start from my eye 7 
Forcive me, my child, whom my soul holds so dear — 
You've a smile from my heart, though my eye drops a tear 1 

This sigh is the tribute of tenderest love, 

And I trust shall be heard i i the mansions above ; 

For it breathes a warm pra)er to the bridegroom ofheareo, 

That to thee, now a bride, his best blessing be given. 

May he weave thee a garland on this nuptial mom, 
With the roses of Sharon thy brows to adorn ; 
With the ring of his love, may he claim thee lor his, 
And pronounce thee "joint heir" of his heavenly bliML 



REV. LEGH RICHMOND. 201 

May his true wedding-robe, which he purchased with blood, 
Be thy portion, my daughter, by Jesus bestowed ; 
By his grace freely pardoned, and cleansed from all sm, 
Be thou spotless without, and all glorious within. 

May my child and her partner, in holy connexion, 
Be united, through grace, by true Christian affection ; 
May the wife prove a sister, the husband a brother, 
And each find a help in the faith of the other. 

Thus thy marriage on earth a sweet emblem shall be, 
Of a far brighter union provided for thee ; 
And then, the few days of thy pilgrimage past, 
Thy Saviour will own Thee his spouse at the last. 

Peace be with you, my children ■ I speak without guile, 
I began with a tear, but I end with a smile ; 
'Tis my hope that your happiness nothing shall cloy, 
And the heart of the widow shall sing with new joy. 



CHAPTER XH. 

Jjetters — Poetry — Description of lake scenery — Brief account of his first tour to Scot- 
land — His sentiments on Oratorios — Tribute to the memory of his mother^ <^c. 

It was usual with Mr. Richmond to mark with peculiar so- 
lemnity the birth-days of himself and all his family. These he 
kept as a kind of religious festival ; — writing letters to the different 
members of his family, and preaching to his parishioners on an 
appropriate subject. The following letter he wrote to his mother 
on one of these occasions. 

" My dearest Mother, 

" The return of this day demands a return of affectionate re- 
gards to God, the author of my being, and to you, the instrument 
employed by him to convey life and existence to my unworthy 
self. Often do I reflect with love and gratitude on your kindness 
and watchful care over me, from infancy to the present moment. 
Your qualities of heart and head cannot be forgotten, any more 
than the name of parent — a title consecrated by every principle, 
divine and human. This being my birth day, I propose to preach ^ 
on Psalm cxxxix. verses 14 — 18. How suitable for such a medi- 
tation ! What a miracle is the life of man, viewed naturally, 
spiritually, and eternally! How incomprehensible, from the first to 
last ! from conception to the cradle— from the cradle to the grave— 



202 MEMOIRS OF THE 

from tlie grave t(3 tlie resurrection — from the resurrection through 
eternity ! Tlien to consider the endless variety of frames, provi- 
dences, events, souls, bodies, and spirits ! Sometimes when I medi- 
tate on futurity, I am lost in inexplicable thought : I then see the 
importance of the mind's retiring into the consolations of the past 
and the present, as they arise from the revealed plan of salvation j 
and through that medium, even eternity assumes a solid and 
hopeful aspect. 

''If ever I felt it more than ordinarily due to a valued parent to 
express my gratitude, it is at a time when she has so kindly and 
so considerately met the peculiar circumstances of difficulty, in 
Mhich a variety of events have conspired to place me. Between my 
last and present birth-day, many sorrows, many shocks to feeling, 
many heavy expenses have occurred; my heart has been tried to 
the utmost : but your affectionate unupbraiding, and liberal con- 
duct, has proved a great cordial to me and my dear wife, in all our 
trials." 

The following letter will introduce to the reader a son of Mr. 
Richmond's, of whom w^e shall have occasion to speak more fully 
towards the close of this Memoir. The name, as has been observed, 
was given to commemorate that remarkable event of his own life 
which arose from the perusal of Mr. Wilberforce's work on Prac- 
tical Christianity. This boy was now in his twelfth year ; and we 
insert this letter principally to shew the manner in which Mr. 
Richmond addressed his children at an early age. 

" My dear Wilberforce, 

*' Shall I have no cause for heart-ache at my return, when I in- 
quire how my child has behaved ? how he has attended to his 
learning? how he has adhered to truth in hisw^ords? Shall I 
be comforted with the glad tidings that your heart, and your con- 
science, and your ways, all seem to partake of a happy influence ? 
That you shew your love to mamma by keeping her command- 
ments ? That you pray to God to forgive you your sins, and hourly 
offences ? Do the four walls of your little chamber bear witness to 
your prayers and supplications for yourself and me ? Do the sun's 
rays, as they early penetrate your window in the morning, find 
you early and active to rise, to re«id, to labour, and to grow in 
grace ? 

" I saw Litchfield cathedral, and attended divine service there. 
It is a much smaller one than York, but has great beauty; the 



REV. LEGH RICHMOND. 203 

organ notes rolled sublimely through the vaults, arches, pillars, 
and roof; and the exquisitely painted windows assimilated with 
such sounds, and rendered the effect very fine. It has three beau- 
tiful spires. 

" One evening I travelled with a friend for three hours, amidst 
the most beautiful and never-ceasing distant lightning ; the whole 
western hemisphere was in a constant blaze ; the flashes alter- 
nated from one point of the horizon to another, distant about 
forty-five degrees from it ; sometimes the flashes were silvery, 
sometimes yellow, sometimes orange ; sometimes forked, some- 
times sheet-like ; sometimes so vivid, you seemed tb have a peep 
into more distant regions of space ; sometimes more faint ; now 
and then you heard slight rumblings, then all was silent. At one 
point the flashes gleamed upon a distant view of a castle, which 
seemed all on fire, and was only rendered visible by the effect of 
the lightning. A dark forest lay behind, and formed a fine con- 
trast. Sometimes the forked flashes hurried one another in a kind 
of playful progress ; at others, they dashed together as if in terri- 
ble combat : all this passed between seven and ten o'clock, on the 
evening of June 28th. But what are these lightnings, com- 
pared with those which made Moses quake and tremble at Mount 
Sinai ? or what were even the latter, when contrasted with those 
of God's wrath against sinners? Thunder and lightning is a fine 
emblem of Divine justice and threatnings. You have need to 
' flee from the wrath to come.' ^ Repent, for the kingdom of hea- 
ven is at hand.' ' The wicked, and all the people that forget God, 
shall be turned into hell.' Do you forget Him ? — if so, what shall 
be your portion ? If you say you do not forget Him, how do you 
prove it ? — 

video meliora proboque 

Deteriora sequor ; 

is the character of too many nominal Christians ; I would not have 
it to be yours. An enlightened but unconverted mind, has eyes 
and tongue to approve what is right ; but the feet follow the paths 
of evil. A converted heart alone walks in the steps of Him who 
is ' the way, the truth, and the life.' Say — 

" To me, O Lord, be thou ' the way,' 
To me, be thou ' the truth ;' 
*■ To me, my Saviour, be ' the life, 

Thou Guardian of my youth i 



204 MEMOIRS OF THE 

" So shall that ' way' be my delight, 

That ' truth' shall make me free ; 
That ' life' shall raise me from 0\e dead, 

And then I'll live to Thee." 

" I sincerely hope you are beginning to be truly sensible of the 
danger of sin, and the necessity of seeking the Lord very early. 
Your life is an uncertainty, at best ; occasional indispositions 
should remind you that you may never arrive at man's estate. If 
you are to die a boy, we must look for a boy's religion, a boy's 
knowledge, a boy's faith, a boy's Saviour — a boy's salvation! Or else, 
a boy's ignorance — a boy's obstinacy — a boy's unbelief — a boy's 
idolatry — a boy's destruction ! Remember all this, and beware 
of sin; dread the sinfulness of an unchanged heart ; — pray for a new 
one; pray for grace and pardon, and a soul conformed to the 
image of Christ Jesus ; pray for wisdom, for the destruction of 
pride, vain conceit, and self-sufficiency. ' Be not slothful in busi- 
ness; but fervent in spirit, serving the Lord.' 

" Friends here inquire after you ; but it is in the full hope that 
you go on well, creditably, obediently, industriously, humbly, and 
Christianly. Love to all, from 

" Your affectionate Father, 

" L. R." 

We here introduce a birth-day hymn, composed for his son 
Wilberforce :— 

" My years roll on in silent course, 
Impelled by a resistless force : 
Awake, my soul ! awake and sing, 
How good thy God, how great thy King 1 

"My years roll on : then let me know "^ 

The great design for wliich they flow; — 
And as the ship floats o'er the wave, 
Thy vessel, Ix)rd ! in mercy save. 

" My years roll on : the tide of time 
Bears me through many a changing cHmo 
I've summers, winters — heat and cold — 
Winds, cahns, and tempesta, ten times told. 

" My years roll on : but here's my hope. 
And this my everlasting prop : 
Tliough seasons change, and I change too, 
My God's the same — for ever true ! 

•* My years roll on : and as they roll, 
Oh ! may they waft my ransom'd soul 
Safe through life's ocean, to yon shore. 
Where sins and Borrows grieve no more I 



REV. LEGH RICHMOND. 205 

" My years roll on : and with them flows 
That mercy which no limit knows : 
'Tis Mercy's current makes me glide, 
In hope of safety, down the tide. 

" My years roll on : my soul be still- 
Guided by love, thy course fulfil : 
And, my life's anxious voyage past, 
My refuge be with Christ at last !" 

"L-ltf 

The birth of another child induced Mr. Richmond to request a 
very endeared friend, Mrs. R., formerly of Kendal, to stand as 
sponsor. The request was made in the following letter : — 

" Turvey, Jan. 23, 1818. 

" Will my dear friend, Mrs. R., allow me to enrol her name 
amongst the sponsors of my sweet little child at her baptism ? It 
is my wife's desire, as well as my own : do not refuse us. Dear 

Mrs. F. of S Castle, is the other godmother. Join her in this 

act of charity and friendship, and thus put a seal to valuable, recol- 
lections of Kendal, Keswick, &c. &c. The hymn of o^r last 
morning, after breakfast, still echoes a sweet farewell in my ear 
and my heart. 

" My babe is to be called Charlotte Elizabeth. Charlotte as a 
memorial of the lamented Princess ; and Elizabeth, as a memorial 
of ^ the Dairyman's Daughter.' A palace and a cottage here unite 
in my child's cradle : may she rock in peace, and ever be found in 
the arms of her Saviour." 

The following verses, composed by Mr. Richmond, were sung at 
the baptismal font, immediately after the service was concluded : — 

" Welcome, dear babe, to .Tesu's breast, 
For ever there securely rest ; 
Welcome to these his courts below — 
Here may our God his grace bestow. 

" Lord, sanctify this solemn hour, 
Thy spirit on our offspring pour ! 
Fulfil thy promise to our child- 
May she in Christ be reconciled ! 

" These holy waters now proclaim 
Redemption free in Jesu's name ; 
Each sprinkled drop becomes a seal 
Of that salvation which we feel. 

" Behold th' affrighted infant weep ! 
Fear has disturbed her gentle sleep. 
Weep not, dear babe, all others smfle, 
And love and bless thee all the while. 

18 



206 MEMOIRS OF THE 

"Grant, Lord ! if spared, the time may come, 
When suiniiioncd to her heavenly home, 
Though all around her weep and sigh, 
In smiles triumphant she may die ! 

" Receive the helpless cliild we pray, 
And seal her to Redemption's day I 
Mansions of bliss may she inherit — 
The gift of Father, Son, and .Spirit !" 

With the lady who stood sponsor to his cliild, Mr. Richmond 
visited, during one of his tours in the North, the lakes of Westmore- 
land. Among his papers is a very pleasing description of the sce- 
nery of that ricli and romantic country. We extract the following 
passage, on account of its beauty : 

" There are numberless changes of effect produced in mountain 
scenery, by the variation of sun, shade, mist, cloud, the state of 
vegetation, character of the atmosphere, and other causes, well 
known to every one familiar with such scenes ; and they consti- 
tute no inconsiderable source of that higli gratification which the 
traveller experiences in the study of natural beauties. The same 
combination of objects, viewed under a change of external circum- 
stances, forms completely a new scene, and possesses an appropri- 
ate charm ; inasmuch as it is the same, and yet different. This 
consideration unfolds an almost endless diversity of effect, to be 
observed and enjoyed by the mind which loves to investigate the 
varieties of which such prospects are susceptible. This double 
source of variety, sometimes occasioned by actual change of the 
principal object in the landscape, and sometimes only by a 
change of attendant circumstances, affords strong evidence that 
the Creator, in all his works, appears to delight in a profu 
sion of that display of contrivance, skill, and diversity, which 
teaches the creature to adore his attribute of Omnipotence. But it 
does more : it leads to the contemplation of that which declares, 
that ^ God is here !' The delight with which a Christian traces 
the finger of God, in the midst of a fine prospect, does not merely 
arise from the admiration of divine power and contrivance ; nor 
from his own quick sense of beautiful and sublime imagery ; nor 
from his deduction of cause and effect, which natural philosophy 
traces in the history of earth, air, fire, and water. He sees all 
this, it is true, and honours God in it. But he also sees, that in 
the whole of this complexity of wonders, this harmony of created 
existence, there is a purpose of benevolence. The diversified joys 
of the landscape all concentrate in the joy of devotion. It is the 
love of God to man which fills the scenery with beauty and de- 



REV. LEGH RICHMOND. 207 

light ; it is the love of God which adapts the mind of man to this 
peculiar capacity of intellectual enjoyment. Whether the Chris- 
tian's survey of nature partakes of the skill of the artist, the ener- 
gy of the poet, the science of the philosopher — let his enjoyment 
arise from any or from all of these sources — this is the crowning 
consideration, that these delights are given him of God^ and are 
an evidence of God^s love to him. This leads him to reflect on his 
own character as a fallen sinner, yet still the object of such incom- 
prehensible mercy. 

" Under the impression of all these powerful emotions, he bursts 
forth into the pious reflection : ^ What is man, O Lord, that thou art 
thus mindful of him, or the son of man that thou so regardest him !' 
Nor can he refrain from exclaiming — ^ O Lord our God, how excel- 
lent is thy name in all the earth !' " 

We subjoin another reflection, as he surveyed the beautiful lake 
of Windermere, from above the town of Bowness, where it first 
breaks upon the sight. 

" Was Paradise more enchanting than this ? Did the Lord put 
our first parents into a garden more exquisitely beautiful than that 
before me ? Could the river, which watered the plains and val 
leys of Eden — could the ground, out of which grew every tree 
that is pleasant to the sight and good for food, present a more love- 
ly sight than this ? That paradise is vanished from mortal sight 
and possession ; but, through the Redeemer, a brighter and im- 
mortal Paradise is regained ; and the believer may see it emble- 
matically and substantially represented to him, in his spiritual en- 
joyment of such an earthly paradise as the vale and mountains of 
Windermere." 

As he passes through the church-yard of Bowness, towards the 
lake, he remarks : — 

" A country church-yard is ever an interesting object; but in 
such a situation as this, many new ideas are excited, which add 
greatly to contemplative affections. On entering it, I was imme- 
diately struck by seeing a newly erected tomb-stone, at the east 
end of the church-yard, on which is inscribed the name of Ricliard 
Watson, late bishop of Llandafl', who passed a large portion of the 
latter part of his life at a beautiful mansion on the banks of Win- 
dermere: he died, aged 81. It was near this very day twelve- 
months that I held a conversation with him, as he sat in his car- 
riage, at Ambleside." 

,Mr. Richmond, having received frequent invitations to visit 
Scotland, and being no less desirous himself of cultivating a per- 



208 MEMOIRS OF THE 

sonal intercourse with many valuable characters in that coun- 
try, was induced, in the year 1818, to fulfil his long meditated 
project. The introduction of the Jewish subject afforded a fa- 
vourable opportunity ; though it was to be expected that the 
sphere of exertion would be somewhat contracted to an Epis- 
copalian pleader of that cause. We are in possession of very few 
notices of this first journey, beyond the accompanying letters ; but 
we are furnished with more ample materials respecting a visit paid 
in 1820, to which we shall in due time direct the attention of the 
reader. 

''Edinburgh, July 17, 1818. 

" My dear Mary, 
''The respect, regard, friendship, and affection, with which 
both myself and my cause are received, in every place, by the reli- 
gious people in Scotland, constitute a feature in my life never to be 
forgotten. My whole mind is deeply busied in meditations upon 
the goodness and love of God. I can hardly expect to interest 
your mind in all the minuticB of my hourly intercourse; but I be- 
lieve your eyes would be often filled with tears of gratitude, if you 
saw and heard all which I see and hear. 

" Delicate and diflicult as the task is which I have to perform, as 
an Episcopal Missionary in this Presbyterian land, I seem to have 
succeeded beyond hope ; and I am laying the first foundation of a 
building, in which, if providence permit and spare me, I shall 
hereafter feel much interested, and the cause of God, I trust, be ef- 
fectually promoted. But think not, my loved Mary, that amidst 
the bustle of missionary arrangements, conversations, speeches, 
and sermons ; nor amidst the wonders and beauties of mountains, 
lakes, cascades, rocks, glens, plains, rivers, trosacks, and woods, 
I forget my dear, dear domestic circle at home. You are all un- 
ceasingly before my eyes ; and the family group mingles with every 
scene I behold, and every undertaking wherein I am concerned j 
and often I see my dear wife anxiously and diligently pursuing the 
duties of her station — smiling on the babe, or listening to the juve- 
nile tales which a Catharine or a Legh may be able to read or to 
spell; or taking your walk, during this beautiful weather, in the 
fields. Or I see you on your knees, praying for grace to enable 
you to act with judgment in all things; and supplicating mercies . 
on your husband, as he journeys by land or by water. Our prayers 
meet. WTiat a favour to enjoy health, safety, and comfort, in all 
my wanderings ; — and to be permitted to see the cause of God 



REV. LEGH RICHMOND. 209 

flourishing in a foreign land, or rather, in so distant a part of our 
own !" 

" My wish is, that my loved and honoured wife may receive this 
on our wedding-day. If posts occasion a failure, let the will be 
accepted for the deed. My desire is to express to you on that day, 
(an anniversary most dear to my heart,) some little portion of that 
love and honour which I bear towards you ; and to assure you, that 
a distance of four hundred miles, and a most active and unceasing 
train of business, impair not, but rather enhances, the feelings of 
my heart towards you and our dear children. Scenes, indeed, of a 
natural, moral, and spiritual character, are passing here before me 
in striking succession, far beyond what I can express ; but I trust 
they are ripening for domestic good ; and I never felt more than 
now that great benefits to myself and to others are originating in 
my missionary excursions. God only knows what I have felt on 
my reception in Scotland, as connected with my tracts and ser- 
mons. I am surprised, gratified, and humbled. 

" A leading feature in my late transactions has been derived 
from visits to Sunday and other schools, where, after hearing the 
children examined, I have addressed them. In every instance they 
have made juvenile collections for the Jewish children. On Sun- 
day last I visited a school of two hundred children. It was the 
half yearly day for distributing reward books. The sixty most de- 
serving scholars were to receive ' the Young Cottager' as their re- 
ward. Three of them had already been blessed, some time ago, 
in hearing it read at school. I was requested to present each child 
with a tract, as they were successively brought up to me, in pre- 
sence of about two hundred grown-up persons of all ranks. It 
was a most solemn and affecting scene. The gentleman who mana- 
ges the school, offered up a most affecting thanksgiving for the good 
which had attended the distribution of my tracts throughout 
Scotland, and in his school in particular, and for the opportunity 
now afforded of introducing me personally to so many children, 
* who had long loved me with all their hearts.' Immediately all 
the company and all the children sang a thanksgiving hymn. 
Then followed what affected me greatly. The children were 
drawn up in a triple semi-circle, in the centre of which I stood. 
Each successful candidate successively stepped forward and recei- 
ved from my hand a 'Young Cottager,' and from my lips a short 
exhortation and blessing. Not an eye was dry, and my own witf. 
difficulty allowed -me to go through the simple and interesting cere- 

18* 



210 MEMOIRS OF THE 

mony. One girl, who was two years since converted by God's 
blessing on the tract, as she approached me, was so affected, that 
she dropped on her knees, and burst into tears. 

''At anotlier female school which I visited, there was a class ot 
thirty dear little girls, all of five and six years old, who underwent 
the most interesting examination I ever witnessed. A monitor of 
eight years examined, and all the thirty little lambs replied at once 
in simple orderly expressions, as if but one had spoken ; and thus 
also they repeated hymns, and at last united in singing one. They 
tlien grouped around the chair where I stood, and where I address- 
ed about one hundred and eighty of all ages. The affectionate 
farewells which I have received from numerous classes of friends, 
accompanied by the most earnest entreaties that I will repeat my 
visits among them, affect me'beyond any thing I have ever wit- 
nessed." 

" My dear Boy, 
" Were I to attempt to describe the beauties of the Highlands 
of Scotland to you, I should be much at a loss. Whether my sub- 
ject were the grand mountains, with snow still on their tops ; or 
the magnificent water-falls, amidst rocks, and glens, and woods ; 
or the noble rivers and romantic brooks, winding through fruitful 
plains or hills ; or the fine lakes expanding their bosoms to the 
clouds, which they reflect from their surfaces ; — whether I were to 
write from the splendid mansion and grounds of a Highland chief; 
or the lowly, smoke-dried cottage of a Highland peasant ;— whe- 
ther the ruined castle or abbey, or the neat modern parish church, 
were the subject of my description, I could say much, yet not 
enough. Here I am, amidst the unexampled and wild beauties of 
the Trosacks, on the banks of Loch Katrine ! There is the glen, 
down which Fitz-James hurried from the mountains, when he lost 
his way: there is the island of the Lady of the Lake, from whence 
she put forth her little skiff, at the sound of the echoing horn. 
There is the great mountain of Benvenu, springing up from the 
lake to the clouds : there is his brother Benan, with Benean, and 
Benhaum, and Bcnledi, and Benvoirlich, and Beneen, and many 
more lofty beins (mountains,) surrounding this most lovely lake. 
Here is the Goblin's Hole; and there the spot where the last of 
the couriers of Roderic Dhu was slain. In all the scene sublimity 
reigns; and above all, God reigns in it also." 



REV. LEGH RICHMOND. 211 

"My dear F , 

"I was unspeakably gratified at Newcastle, in seeing two little 
girls, one of ten, the other- of twelve, the spiritual fruits of my 
' Young Cottager ;' the latter of the two I had not seen before. I 
never before, except in the case of ^ Little Jane' herself, saw so 
clear and so early an instance of decided grace, and of a truly en- 
lightened mind: you would have thought her conversation equal 
to eighteen at least. I apprehend that I have become acquainted 
with above thirty cases of decided usefulness in youth, from that 
tract, since I came into the North. Oh ! what a mercy ! In this, 
' goodness indeed follows me.' 

" My visit to Scotland has been marked by more affection and 
usefulness than any one I ever made : numerous public and pri- 
vate occurrences overwhelm me with gratitude. The Scottish 
scenery is of the very first class. Whatever is beautiful, whatever 
is grand, whatever is wild and romantic— all are to be found in al- 
most unlimited variety of display. Noble rivers, lakes, and water- 
falls, picturesque hills and mountains, lovely land and sea views, fine 
towns and buildings — all speaking the goodness, power, and wis- 
dom of God ! The marks of affection, regard, and esteem, with 
which I was received, far exceed what I have ever witnessed ; and 
I have reason to believe niuch actual good has been done to many 
individuals, while I was there." 

The following letters express his sentiments on the subject of 
Oratorios, on which he seems to have held a most decided opinion. 
No man was ever more truly fond of music than himself, and espe- 
cially in its application to devotional purposes. Such is the professed 
object of Oratorios; and the sublime compositions of those great 
masters in this science, Handel and Haydn, certainly carry its 
powers to almost the highest degree of perfection. The principle 
then, itself, in its pure and legitimate application, must ever be con- 
sidered as subservient to the interests of piety. It is, therefore, 
the abuse of this principle, and the mode in which Oratorios are 
generally conducted, that excited the apprehensions of Mr. Rich- 
mond, as to their possible influence on his own children. The 
worldly associations connected with what is otherwise a source of 
high gratification to a scientific and devotional mind, constituted, 
in his estimation, an insuperable objection to these festivals. As 
a difference of opinion is known to exist in the religious world on 
this subject, we feel happy in exhibiting Mr. Richmond's sentiments, 
in the following letter to his wife. 



212 MEMOIRS OF THE 

" Edinburgh^ Aug, 25, 1818. 

" My very dear Mary, 

"The approaching grand musical festival, to be held at Edin- 
burgli, about the same week with that at Northampton, occasions 
ahuost daily discussion in every party where we are visiting; and 
there is but one feelinij amon£;st all our Christian friends — that no 
serious and consistent Cliristian will go. Mary,* of course, hears 
nothing from either her father's lips, or from those of all his es- 
timable friends on this side of the Tweed, but determined objec- 
tions to the whole plan, ils accompaniments, its gaiety, its dissipa- 
tion, its ensnaring character, and its inconsistency with every prin- 
ciple of nonconformity to the world. Neither she nor I could ap- 
pear again in Scotland, in a religious, and much less a missionary 
character, if we were to be present at these amusements. How, 
then, can I do otherwise, which from my heart I sincerely, seri- 
ously, and deliberately must, than condemn the same thing, as it 
concerns dear F . 

'' I have never had but one opinion on the subject of these pros- 
titutions of religion and music, at these theatrical, and, as I think, un- 
warrantable medleys. I wish you had the good sentiments of deal 
Johw Newton, on the public Oratorio of the ' Messiah,' at hand. 1 
deeply lament that any, who, in other respects, so justly deserve 
the name of consistent Christians, should so little fathom the cor- 
ruptions of their own hearts, and be so insensible to the dangerous 
tendency of public amusements, which unite all the levity of the 
world with the professed sanctity of religious performances. Think 
not that I blame any one but myself, for not long since making my 
sentiments on this ensnaring subject, better known to those so 
near and dear to me. It is somewhat singular, that I should, with 
many Christian friends of all ranks in Edinburgh and Scotland, be 
making a firm stand against the principle and the practice of a musi- 
cal festival held here, at the very time that I must also make as firm a 
stand against the same thing in the South. It is contrary to every 
feeling I can entertain on the subject. We have forsworn all 
these things on principle; and what is religious character and 
credit worth, if consistency is to be sacrificed ? Numerous as my 
faults and errors may be. I hope to be preserved from ever deliber- 
ately consenting that my children, of whatever age, should enter 
into societies, intimacies, or amusements, which I deem forbidden, 
so as to wound my conscience. 

♦ Hifl eldest daughter, who eiccompanied him during thia tour to Scotland. 



REV. LEGH RICHMOND. 213 

' I write with the most affectionate feelings of a husband, a fa- 
ther, and a Christian; and at this distance, we must not encounter 
the chance of reciprocal uneasiness, from any dubious discussion. 
I will only add, that I have not the least objection to dear Mrs. M. 
knowing my whole mind on the subject, which is, and has been 
for many years, perfectly decided. God will ever bless those who 
sacrifice worldly interest to pure conscientious motives: I have no 
fears on that head. 

" Our journey is very active, and full of mercies. I conclude 
that Mary tells you of the beauties and kindness of Scotia. She is 
here forming truly Christian acquaintances and friendships. I 
pray for^ and think of you much. God bless you ! Take this as 
the hearty prayer and desire of 

" Your affectionate 

"L. Richmond." 

The same subject is thus resumed, in a letter addressed to an 
active friend of the Tract Society : — 

" I can truly, deliberately, and conscientiously add to the testi- 
mony of my friend Pellatt, that I do consider the ordinary musical 
festivals, conducted as they are, amid a strange medley of wanton 
confusion and most impure mixtures, as highly delusive, fascina- 
ting, and dangerous to youth. I consider the Oratorio perform- 
ances in churches, as a solemn mockery of God, and forbidden by 
the clear principles of the Gospel. The making the most sacred 
and solemn subjects which heaven ever revealed to man, even to 
the Passion of Christ himself on the cross, a matter for the gay, 
critical, undevout recreation of individuals, who avowedly assem- 
ble for any purpose but that of worship ; and who, if they did, 
could hardly pretend that it were very practicable in such com- 
pany, and on such an occasion, I do from my heart believe to be 
highly offensive to God. Playhouse actors and singers (frequent- 
ly persons of exceptionable character) are hired, supported, ap- 
plauded, and almost idolized, in these exhibitions, and encouraged 
to persevere in their immoral and dangerous profession. Vice 
rides triumphantly jn such proceedings. I am happy to say, that 
in case of the festival at Edinburgh, none of the serious people, 
either ministers or laymen, have countenanced^it with their pre- 
sence; excepting two clergymen, one of whom left the Oratorio in 
the midst of the performance, shocked and confounded at the 
abuse of holy things, and ashamed of being found there ; the other 
is deemed by all his brethren to have acted very wrongly, and 



214 MEMOIRS OF THE 

to have countenanced much evil. The spirit of the world, the pride 
of life, tlie hist of the eye, all enter into these public gaieties; and 
their false pretensions to partial sacredness, only render them 
more objectionable. If young people do not learn this lesson 
early, they will greatly suffer in all hope of their spirituality. 
The less they may now, in the infancy of their Christian state, 
see and feci this, the more dangerous it is to yield to their igno- 
rance and inexperience. What is morally and religiously wrong, 
can never become riglit tlirough tlie error of youth. And it would 
be a strange departure from every moral and religious principle, 
to say—* I know an act to be wrong in itself, but my child has not 
grace enough to see it as I do; therefore, I may lawfully permit 
him to do what I know to be wrong.' Would not this open a 
door to every species of sin and error. 

" As to examples of good people : — Sin does not cease to be sin, 
because some good people unhappily fall into the snares which 
the great enemy of souls spreads for their delusion. It is, and it 
shall be for a lamentation, that good men err so deplorably, and 
thereby countenance what, eventually, their principles condemn, 
and what they may some day have deep cause to regret. 

" No man in England loves music — sacred music — better than I 
do ; therefore my sacrifice to principle and conscience is far 
greater than that of many others. I ought to have the greater credit 
for my self-denial ; but I dare not countenance sin and danger, 
because it is clothed in the bewitching garb of good music and pre- 
tended sanctity. * Let not my soul come into their assembly !' 
Tender and affectionate husband and father, as I hope I am, how- 
ever I may sometimes be misapprehended and consequently sorry 
to interfere with the comfort of those most near and dear to me; 
yet I rejoice from my heart, in having prevented the sanctioning 
any part of so promiscuous and unjustifiable a medley, by the at- 
tendance of any of the members of my dear family ; and they 
will one day thank me. When the object is avowedly an act of 
worship, all is right, let who will sing and play; but when it is 
avowedly an act of amusement, religion, rightly felt and under- 
stood, forbids the profane performance of singing-men and sing- 
ing-women, trifling with the things that belong to our everlasting 
peace, and turning them into mockery." 

Leaving these remarks to the judgment and conscience of the 
reader, we now return to the course of our narrative. 

Allusions have been made, in a preceding part of this Memoir, 
to Mr. Richmond's mother. Her maternal care in the days of his 



REV. LEGH RICHMOND. 215 

childhood, her early endeavours to instil into his mind the princi- 
ples of religion, and the interest she manifested in some of the 
subsequent events of his history, have been incidentally mention- 
ed. She died in the beginning of the year 1819. But before we 
enter upon the account of her decease, we shall introduce a brief 
memoir, from the pen of Mr. Richmond, in which the history of 
his family is so interwoven with his own earlier years, as to form a 
kind of episode, which we have no doubt will interest the reader 
oy the simple and affecting character of its details. It is address- 
ed to his children, as a memorial of the virtues of his mother ; 
while his execution of it is no less the memorial of his own. 

This Uttle piece will appropriately form, by itself, the subject of 
our next chapter. 



CHAPTER XIII. 

A Tribute of qff'eclionate veneration for the memory of a deceased Mother ; — in a 
series of Letters to his Children. By the Rev, Legh Richmond.^ 

LETTER I. 

" My beloved Children, 

" The affecting summons which I so lately and unexpectedly 
received, to pay the last act of duty and love to the remains of my 
invaluable and revered parent, has impressed my mind with a 
strong desire to leave some memorial of her character, for your 
sakes and for your instruction. 

" I am just returned from the grave of one whom a thousand 
tender recollections endeared to every faculty of my soul : and I 
wish to preserve something of that solemnity of feeling, and gra- 
titude of heart, which such a scene v^as calculated to inspire. 
How can I better do this, than by endeavouring to convey those 
emotions to your bosoms, through the medium of an epistolary 
communication, devoted to an affectionate retrospect of the charac- 
ter and disposition of the deceased ? I feel myself, as it were, a 
debtor to two generations, between whom I now stand, as the wil- 
ling, though feeble and unworthy agent, by whom benefits and 
consolations, derived from the one, may be transferred for the 
lasting advantage of the other. The solid character of her reli- 
gious principles, the superiority of her mental attainments, and 
the singularly amiable deportment by which she was distinguish- 
ed, constitute powerful claims to your regard. If any additional 
plea were needed, I would derive it from the deep and affectionate 



216 MEMOIRS OF THE 

interest which she took in whatever concerned your welfare, both 
spiritual and temporal ; from tlie prayers which she daily offered 
up to the throne of mercy, (or your happiness; and from the un- 
ceasing watchfulness and anxiety which she manifested for your 
progress in every good word and work. 

*' Although she was far separated from you, by the distance of 
her residence from our own, and th© opportunities of personal in- 
tercourse were thereby greatly restricted ; yet her most tender and 
sacred affections were ever near to me and mine. We occupied her 
daily thoughts and her nightly meditations ; and now that she is 
gone to rest, and her heart can no longer beat with mortal anxie- 
ties, it is highly becoming that we who loved her, and whom she so 
ardently loved, should give a consistency to our affection for such 
a parent, by a grateful inquiry into those qualities of head and 
heart with which God so eminently blessed her. 

" There is a solitary tree, underneath w^hich, by her own desire, 
she lies buried, in Lancaster church-yard. I feel a wish, if I may 
be allowed for a moment to employ the imagery, to pluck a branch 
from this tree that waves over her tomb ; to transplant it into my 
own domestic garden, and there behold it flourish, and bring forth 
'fruit unto holiness.' I would gladly encourage a hope that this 
wish may be realized in you, my children, and that such inter- 
course with the dead may indeed prove a blessing to the living. 

'• But this can be expected only in dependence on the free and 
undeserved mercy of that God and Saviour, in whom your venera- 
ble grandmother trusted ; and ' whom to know is life eternal.' 
Whatever, therefore, of domestic narrative; whatever of earnest 
exhortation to yourselves ; or whatever of remark upon the inte- 
resting qualities of the subject of this memoir, may intermingle 
with my present address — keep invariably in mind, that my great 
object as it concerns her, and 3'ou, and myself, is to give glory to 
God alone ; and in the deepest humiliation of heart, to look up to 
Him as the sole fountain of excellence. 

" In addressing you on such a subject, my children it is natural 
that I should reflect on the varieties of age and circumstance in 
which you are placed. Even in point of your number, I can 
hardly pronounce it without some degree of fear and trembling. 
Ten immortal souls ! — souls allied to my own, by ties inexpressibly 
tender, and inviolably dear ; — souls committed to my charge, not 
only as a minister, but also as a parent. * Who is sufficient for 
these things?' has been the secret cry of many a'minister and 
many a parent. In each of these relations, I wish to apply that 



REV. LEGH RICHMOND. 217 

divine promise to my heart, ' our sufficiency is of God.' I have 
long cherished a hope, founded on another gracious intimation of 
His will to those who love and fear him — 'The promise is unto you 
and to your children, and to all that are afar off, even as many as 
the Lord our God shall call.' Supported by these consolations, it 
has been my aim to bring you up in th^ nurture and admonition of 
the Lord, and to train up my children in the right way ; trusting, 
that if they live to be old, they will not depart from it. Yet some- 
times the anxious fear, connected with a survey of the world in 
which you are placed — its vanities and its vices — its delusions and 
its dangers, will force itself on my thoughts. I have lived to see, 
in other families, some of their buds of promise blighted, through 
the baneful and infectious influence of corrupt associations. I have 
seen what havoc the pomps and vanities of this wicked world, 
the sinful lusts of the flesh, and the wiles of the devil, have made in 
many a household. I have witnessed the sorrows, and mingled 
mine with the tears of my friends, when they have spoken of the 
wanderings and misconduct of some of their children : and then, I 
have occasionally trembled for my own little flock. But I feel it, 
at the same time, to be both my privilege and my duty to use this 
very solicitude for a higher and nobler purpose than despondency 
and unbelief would suggest. These anxious affections are planted 
in the parental heart, and manifestly ordained of God, as incentives 
to caution and stimulants to prayer. As such, I would employ 
them for your sakes ; I would thereby the more assiduously teach 
you to ' abhor that which is evil, and cleave to that which is good :' 
and above all, I would with the more earne stness and dependence 
on the covenant grace of God, present your mortal and immortal 
interests, in supplication to Him who hath said, ' the promise is 
unto you and your children, and to all that are afar offj as many as 
the Lord shall call.' 

" And surely, I may be allowed to urge an excuse for dwelling 
upon this text, even in a way of literal application. For you, my 
first-born child, are indeed ' afar off;' and these pages may much 
more easily reach you, amongst your uncertain journeyings on 
the shores or the waves of India, than they can ever convey an 
adequate idea of the exercises of varied aff'ection, which your event- 
ful history has occasioned us. 

" Next to your immediate parents, no one felt so deeply on your 
account as my deceased mother. Her prayers and good wishes 
were mingled with our own, when we first committed you to the 

19 



218 MEMOIRS OF THE 

vicissitudes of the ocean, and the mariner's lot ; — and the above- 
named promise was her support, as well as ours. 

" As I stood on the shores of the Isle of Wight in the summer 
of 1814, and watched the departure of the ship which contained 
my child, with a fatlier's eye and a fatlier's heart, I mused over the 
past, the present, and the mture, until the shadows of the night 
interrupted my view. One moment suggested, 'my poor child 
will soon be afar off ;'^ the next, as it were, replied, but ' the 
promise is unto you and to your children, and to as many as are 
afar off? The thought consoled me as I returned homeward, and 
I prayed for my little ones, that God would 'speak peace to you 
which were afar off, and to them that w^ere nigh.' 

" And then, again, my son, when during the following year we 
received the dismal tidings of the wreck of your ship, and the de- 
struction of nearly all her crew, on the coast of Africa,* as she re- 
turned on her voyage from Ceylon, when among the six persons 
whom alone, out of 360, Providence saved from death, we found 
not your name, we seemed, in this valley of the shadow of death, 
more than ever to need the rod and the staff of the great Shepherd 
to comfort us. At that trying period the same promise came to 
our aid, and we felt its consoling influence ; while, like Aaron, 
when his sons were dead, we held our peace. And when afterwards 
it pleased God, in the mystery of his mercies, to discover to us 
our mistake, and to prove to us that you had no part in the horrors 
of this watery grave, it did indeed seem once more fulfilled — ' this 
my son was dead and is alive again ; he was lost and is found.' 

During tliese transitions of feeling, I cannot express how much 
the truly scriptural communication of sentiments and counsel, 
which we received from my now deceased parent, contributed to 
the encouragement of faith, and patience, and gratitude. From 
that period till her death, the welfare of my child 'afar ofT conti- 
nued to lay very near to her heart. 'What news from India?' was 
her frequent inquiry, and always accompanied by the interesting 
tear of maternal solicitude. To you, therefore, as the eldest of my 
dear filial flock, I may, with due earnestness, first commend this 
•tribute of affectionate veneration for the memory of my deceased 
mother.' 

" She was a faithful mother to us all ; and I wish her memory to 
be ensnrined in the grateful recollection of your heart. If these 
lines are ever permitted to meet your perusal, my son, cherish them 
for her sake and mine. 

♦ Oflf Cape La^lla*. 



REV. LEGH RICHMOND. 219 

" From India, I turn to my nine children at home ; and greet you 
with a father's blessing, as I present you with these domestic me- 
ditations, which I write for the sake of those of you who have en- 
joyed the opportunity of occasional intercourse with the subject of 
the memoir, as well as of those whom circumstances never permit- 
ted to know her. I anticipate the time when even my last born, 
the babe that cannot yet lisp the honoured name of ' grandmother, 
shall not be ignorant of her worth, but shall love to listen to the 
record of those gracious affections with which God was pleased to 
adorn, her : and perhaps, on some future day, when visiting the 
grave where she is laid, may say, ' here lies one, whom from my 
cradle I was taught to love and honour.' 

" But, whilst I am enumerating ^ the olive branches which sur- 
round my table,' and 'the children whom God hath given me,' I 
suddenly feel as if I had erred in my calculations. Is there no 
link of connexion between the visible and invisible worlds? no 
right of appropriation by which an earthly parent may say, 'I 
have a child in heaven?' yes, a sweet little cherub in 4;he mansions 
above seems to my imagination to be the very link which faith and 
love would employ to animate all the energies of my best affec- 
tions, when I look at my still living children, and contemplate their 
immortal condition. 

" One of you, my eleven children, is in glory — a lamb, safely 
and eternally folded in the arms of his Redeemer. He is the first 
of my household that has gone to his rest. May he prove a pledge 
for many to follow him there, in God's own time. In the mean- 
time, cherish it in your frequent remembrance, as an argument for 
heavenly-mindedness, that one of you is already in heaven. I may 
not indeed, now address myself to Mm ; but I may speak of him 
to you ; I may remind you of his epitaph, and of the Paradise to 
which he belongs. I may also thus preserve the sense of kindred 
alliance between the dead and the living of my family, and ardent- 
ly pray for the perfect and eternal re-union of them all, through 
grace, in ' the house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens.' 
Such, likewise, were the supplications of her who through faith 
and patience, is gone to inherit the promises, and to join our own 
little infant in singing hallelujahs ' to him that sitteth upon the 
throne and unto the Lamb.' 

" In the cherished anticipation of such results, from the free and 
undeserved mercies of redemption, I will conclude the present let- 
ter, by subscribing myself 

" Your affectionate father, 

"Legh Richmond." 



220 MEMOIRS OF THE 



LETTER II. 

"My dear Children, 

"In this endeavour to delineate a short sketch of the life of 
your deceased grand Mother, it seems necessary that I should give 
you some little information respecting her parentage and ancestry. 
There is a kind of pleasing melancholy in recurring to times now 
long past, and to former gcnrnitions, endeared to recollection by 
kindred tics, to which I cannot feel wholly insensible. A number 
of letters, papers, and documents, connected with the early cir- 
cumstances of my dear mother's life, and of her more immediate 
relatives and ancestors, lie before me. While I peruse them, I seem 
to be translated to a former age ; and to realize once more, scenes 
and associations which can only thus be revived. They bring to 
my recollection the friends of my own infancy long since dead, 
and the various domestic relations and events of which they loved 
to speak. I would not set a higher value on such things than they 
deserve; nor would I put the mortal genealogies of earth in even 
a momentary competition witli the alliance of ' the family of hea- 
ven.' Yet in tracing the personal history of those whom God is 
pleased to honour with spiritual blessings, an interest may lawfully 
be excited by a variety of minor circumstances, which are neces- 
sary to the connexion of the story ; and may lead to profitable con- 
siderations, when viewed as the links of that chain in Providence, 
by which the Almighty Father upholds the destinies of his chil- 
dren, and confirms the counsels of his will respecting them. 

" My mother was born at Liverpool, in the year 1736. Her pa- 
rents were descended from, and nearly related to, several ancient 
and respectable families in the counties of Lancaster and Chester. 
Her father, John Atherton, Esq., of Walton Hall, near Liverpool, 
was descended from a younger branch of the Athertons, of Ather- 
ton, in the former county, who settled at Preston. Of his charac- 
ter, I have frequently heard my mother speak with affectionate 
veneration. More particularly, she used to give me an account of 
a behaviour and conversation on his death-bed, which seemed to 
bear the characteristics of true Christian faith and hope. ' I am,' 
said he, 'an unworthy sinner, but I know in whom I have believed. 
I have nothing, nothing of my own ; but Christ is every thing. 
My daughter, the comforts of dying rest not in the poor merits of 
man, but in the sure mercies of God.' ^ 

••'Such were a few of the expressions which frequently escaped 
from his lips, till his eyes peacefully closed in death. Such tradi- 



REV. LEGH RICHMOND. 221 

tional memorials should be valued amongst us that remain ; and 
may, by God's blessing, prove incentives to follow those who 
through faith and patience are gone before to inherit the promises. 

" Her mother was the daughter of Sylvester Richmond, Esq.,* 
of Acton Grange, in the county of Chester, by Frances Elizabeth, 
daughter of Sir Richard Brook, of Norton Priory, Baronet, who 
died in 1710. 

" Her mind, at a very early period, exhibited a strong inclination 
to the study of the best authors. She was well versed in the his- 
torians, essayists, and poets of her own country, and read the 
French language with fluency. Her memory, even at the advanced 
age of eighty-three, was well stored with the judiciously-selected 
reading of her younger years. She possessed a naturally strong 
judgment, and examined with accuracy the sentiments and the 
style of every book which she read. At a period when female 
education was, with but few exceptions, very feebly directed to the 
cultivation of general and useful literature ; when the romance and 
the cookery book were too frequently esteemed to be the chief 
requisites of a lady's library — Miss Atherton was a constant stu- 
dent in almost every branch of such learning, as, even in this more 
cultivated age, would be deemed advantageous and interesting to 
the female mind. In this she was encouraged by both her parents, 
who well understood and highly valued the proper cultivation of 
the understanding, through the medium of useful literature. 

" But with these attainments there was no display, no pedantry, 
no conceit. If ever there was a disposition marked by true femi- 
nine modesty and humility, it was her own. She thoroughly ful- 
filled the apostolic injunction, ' in honour preferring one another.' 
Others, indeed, knew her value ; but she ever undervalued herself. 
Although domestic and retired in her habits, yet she mingled with 
and adorned a most respectable circle of relatives and friends, 
among whom she was justly esteemed as an approving and amia- 
ble companion. 

" From her childhood she entertained a deep reverence for the 
Holy Scriptures, and had a strong tincture of piety in her disposi- 
tion. She read many valuable authors on religious subjects ; and 
though not at all times equally favoured with opportunities of 

♦ This Sylvester Richmond was the son of Dr. Sylvester Richmond, who 
settled, and practised very successfully as a physician, in the town of Liver- 
pool, during- the reig-n of Charles II. His father was Oliver Richmond, Esq. 
of Ashton Keynes, in the county of Wilts, on which estate his ancestors had 
successively resided from the time of the Conquest. 



222 MEMOIRS OF THE 

Christian intercourse, which daily experience proves to be so re- 
quisite for decision of character, yet her liearl was ever directed 
with firmness and atfection towards serious subjects, which pro- 
duced a conscientious integrity of mind, distinguishable in her 
whole deportment. In the latter period of her life, to which I shall 
soon direct your chief attention, she has confessed to me that de- 
fective views of some primary points of Christian doctrine pervad- 
ed her former religious srntiments. She most sincerely relied on 
the atonement of Christ ; but at that period had imperfect views of 
the fulness and sufficiency of his work. She had acquired very 
humbling views of herself as a sinner ; yet these were not unmixed 
with error and indistinctness, with regard to the plan of divine 
acceptance. The commonly received divinity of that day, and the 
usual discourses of the pulpit, were lamentably defective in many 
grand essentials of Christian faith. The spiritual truths of the 
Gospel, and the fundamental principles of the Reformation, were 
generally veiled under a system of ethics, which however pure and 
correct, as a part of the great scheme of revelation ; yet, when sub- 
stituted for the whole, loses its own intrinsic value, while it robs 
the Redeemer of his honour, and the sinner of his hope. 

" Under external advantages of this nature, it is an interesting 
subject of investigation to trace the secret and gradual progress of 
the mind of a sincere and humble inquirer after truth, through the 
different stages of i^ advancement. 

"There were two circumstances which greatly contributed to 
strengthen and direct her judgment and affections in religious con- 
cerns. Her mother's own brother, the Rev. Legh Richmond, who 
was, first, vicar of Garstang, near Lancaster, and afterwards rector 
of Stockport, in Cheshire, was educated and prepared for the mi- 
nistry by Dr. Thomas Wilson, bishop of Sodor and Man. The 
venerable and apostolical character of this insular prelate was by 
this connection brought more immediately under Miss Atherton's 
notice. She also saw much of a similar disposition in the conduct 
and ministry of his pupil, her uncle. 'Bishop Wilson,' to use the 
language of his biographer, ' was a man of most exemplary piety, 
charity, and all Christian graces, who continued for the long course 
of fifty-seven years, to perform all the oflices of a good bishop and 
a good man.' His writings, and particularly his manual of devo- 
tion, entitled ' Sacra Privata,' were much esteemed by and rendered 
very useful to her. These benefits were greatly increased by in- 
tercourse with her uncle, whose disposition, attainments, and con- 



REV. LEGH RICHMOND. 223 

duct in the ministry, not a little resembled those of his excellent 
tutor. 

" My dear mother always spoke with peculiar gratitude and 
veneration, of the advantages which she received from the instruc- 
tions and conversations of this relative. Her subsequent marriage 
with his son, my late honoured father, Henry Richmond, M. D., 
naturally conduced to increase those sentiments of respect and re- 
gard which she had previously entertained, and rendered every 
valuable feature in his domestic and ministerial character doubly 
dear. 

" Another circumstance connected with the early period of her 
life, to which I have frequently heard her revert, and of which I 
fmd among her papers some valuable memorials, was her intimate 
acquaintance with a near relative, the late Henry Cornwall Legh, Esq. 
of High Legh, in the county of Chester. This gentleman had form- 
ed a valuable intercourse with the late Lord Dartmouth and some 
of his friends, through whom he had been led into remarkably solid 
and serious views of the great importance of real religion. I have 
often heard my mother observe, that of all the acquaintances of her 
own age, during her earlier years, there w^as none with whom she 
found so much congeniality of mind, upon religious topics, as Mr. 
Legh. Frequent visits which she made to the family at High Legh, 
afforded opportunities of useful conversations with her relative. 
I am now in possession of two manuscripts on sacred subjects, 
given to my mother by Mr. Legh, to which she attached great 
value, and of which she spoke, to the end of her life, as a means of 
guiding her mind into clearer views of divine truth, than any hu- 
man composition which she had previously read. As I consider 
these papers to be estimable for their own sake, as well as that of 
my mother and her friend Mr. Legh, I will annex part of them to 
this memorial, and indulge a hope that her grandchildren may 
profit by the same channel of instruction which, at a former pe- 
riod, was instrumental to the spiritual attainments of the deceased. 

" I have hitherto been speaking of that portion of my dear pa- 
rent's life which was prior to my own birth. I shall, in my next 
letter, write more immediately from my own recollection and ex- 
perience. I wish you to profit by this simple domestic narrative. 
I feel that I owe it to God, to my children, and to my departed mo- 
ther, that you should become better acquainted with her, now that 
she is dead, than circumstances permitted while living." 



224 MEMOIRS OF THE 



LETTER III. 

"In the year 1771, Miss Atherton was married to her cousirij 
Dr. Henry Richmond, the only son of the Rev. Legh Richmond. 
His mother was the daughter of Henry Legh, Esq. of High Legh, 
in Cheshire, by Letitia, another daughter of Sir Richard Brook, 
Bart, of Norton. Dr. Richmond was educated at the grammar 
school in ^Lacclesfield, under the care of the Rev. Mr. Atkinson. 
He was entered at Trinity College, Cambridge, in the year 1759, 
and was elected fellow of that society in 17G6. He was originally 
intended for the sacred ministry, and his father had considerable 
hopes, at one period, of obtaining the rectory of Stockport for him ; 
but in consequence of the failure of his expectations in that point, 
a change took place in regard to the profession which he adopted, 
and he applied himself to the study of physic. 

'' Not long after the deatli of his father, which took place in 1769, 
Dr. Richmond settled as a physician in the town of Liverpool. At 
this period. Miss Atherton resided with her mother, now a widow, in 
St. Paul's Square, in the same town. A congeniality of principles 
and dispositioiis, founded upon many valuable qualifications of mind, 
which they each possessed ; and an esteem strengthened by tlie 
kindred intimacy of the families, from their very infancy, led to 
that union which took place in 1771. Her younger sister, Elizabeth, 
was, nearly at the same time, married to Michael Nugent, Esq. of 

, in Ireland, a first cousin to the late Earl Nugent. ^Irs. 

Atherton continued to live with Dr. and Mrs. Richmond, till her 
death, which did not take place till about sixteen years after the 
marriage of her daughters. I am the more minute in relating 
these family occurrences to you, my children, because I am aware 
that it is the only channel through which you are likely to obtain 
them. The lapse of time, the distance and dispersion of some re- 
latives, and the deaths of many others, gradually throw a veil over 
a variety of occurrences and connexions, the remembrance of 
which, to a certain extent, I wish you to preserve. 

" We know not by what peculiar links in the chain of provi- 
dence and grace, it may please God to promote our best and dear- 
est interests ; but among others, I would cherish the hope, that 
the memorials of our ancestry, and more especially of such as, in 
their generation, loved and feared His holy name, may not be un- 
availing to their posterity. 

" I will now endeavour to lay before you a short review of what 
I may call the second period of your grandmother's life. Her 



REV. LEGH RICHMOND. 225 

conduct during the single state, as a daughter, had been useful, 
affectionate, dutiful, and domestic. Such daughters, and such 
alone, are calculated to exhibit those still brighter characteristics 
which attach to the subsequent relations of the wife and the mo- 
ther. Let my children ever remember, that in the ordinary 
course of the progress of a Christian and domestic character^ 
the seed of hope is planted in childhood^ and the hud manifests 
its first beauty and fragrance in their earlier youth, and thence 
issues that more expanded foliage, which constitutes the orna- 
mental features of their more advanced condition. There is a 
wise and beautiful order in the mode and manner of the dispensa- 
tions of God's grace. 

" There is a progressive attainment of knowledge, and a growth 
of principle in the hearts of such as He is training up in the way 
they should go, which successively develope as the infant advances 
to childhood, the child to youth, and the youth to man. There is 
a preparation of heart which accompanies this progressive forma- 
tion of character. The affections and principles of action which, 
under the divine blessing, have been fostered in the bosom of the 
child, to the furtherance of the parent's happiness, and the ge- 
neral welfare of the domestic circle, are precisely those which 
will hereafter constitute the solidity and the lovehness of the 
nuptial character. The difficulties and the trials of early life 
may have been fewer, (mercifully, perhaps, ordained to be so,) 
but the heart that has been disciplined in the school of filial 
obedience and affection, is thus prepared for future usefulness, and 
for the trial of faith, love, and patience, in a subsequently acquired 
relation. 

" More particularly to speak of the female character: — subject 
to those exceptions which the unlimited grace of the Almighty is 
sometimes pleased to make in the dispositions of individuals at a 
more advanced period of life — exceptions which in no respect 
form a rule for general conclusions : those who, in unaffected so- 
briety of manners and simple spirituality of heart, have aimed at 
fulfilling the domestic duties of the daughter, will ever consti- 
tute that truly honourable class of women whom Providence ap- 
points to sustain the more arduous characters of the Christian 
wife and the Christian mother. In vain shall we look for cha- 
racters of this description among the daughters of folly and 
fashion. Their hearts are estranged from the very principle of 
the domestic disposition. Accustomed to the repeated indulgence 
of luxurious inclinations, their volatile desires are ever upon the 



226 MEMOIRS OF THE 

wing, in search of something new and gay, that may satisfy a cra- 
ving and disordered appetite for novelties. They are * lovers of 
pleasure more than lovers of God/ But, says the same apostle, 
*she that livetii in pleasure is dead while she liveth.' Beware, my 
dear daughters, of such examples ; dread their contagion, and, 
therefore, shun their society. Pray that you may ever be pre- 
served from the ensnaring influence of those pomps and vani- 
ties of the world which you have solemnly renounced in your 
baptism. And let it be the comfort of my advancing years, to 
see that your centre of attachment, as well as duty, is at home. 

" Numberless and invaluable are the ideas which connect with 
that one word, home. May you and I so cherish them by sacred 
principle on earth, that \ve may be found meet for a better home 
hereafter, even for ' the inheritance of the saints in light.' My 
dear mother had been educated in sentiments truly domestic : her 
chosen associates were of a similar character — her parents encou- 
raged them for conscience, as well as for comfort's sake. Her 
time and attention had been, from her youth upward, chiefly di- 
rected to the devotional study of religious truths, the culture of 
useful literature, the temperate pursuit of the elegant arts, the 
society of estimable friends, and the well regulated plans of her pa- 
rents' family. In the midst of all, she lived in constant habits of 
prayer ; and this consolidated the valuable qualities of her mind, 
and gave them a holy tendency. 

" With dispositions and habits thus previously formed. Miss 
Atherton entered into the marriage state. The following year 
gave birth to the heart that dictates, and to the hand that guides 
my pen. 

" May I not be allowed to pause for a few moments over the 
solemn and affecting considerations hereby suggested. I have 
frequently medhated upon the subject of my birth, as connected 
with my death and resurrection. I have often contemplated the 
history of man, through its eventful course, from the cradle to 
the grave ; and endeavoured to make the practical application to 
myself. But I think I never felt its characteristic importance so 
powerfully, or at least so aff'ectingly, as when I committed to the 
grave the friend, the nurse, the protector, the guide and guardian 
of my helpless infancy — all summed up in the endeared name of 
mother. I seemed to recall the time, ' when as yet I hanged on 
my mother's breast ;' and to revert to the tender anxieties with 
which she watched over her first-born child. And now a few 
short years are rolled away, and how great the change ! The eye 



REV. LEGH RICHMOND. 227 

that saw, the ear that heard, the tongue that encouraged, and the 
arm that upheld the babe of her youth, are mouldering in the dust ! 
She is departed hence, and is no more seen ! It is my prayer, for 
myself and my loved children, that we may so learn ' to number 
our days, that we may apply our hearts unto wisdom.' And if 
such meditations as these may, through grace, lead us to see more 
of the vanity of the earthly state, the value of time, and the rapid 
approach of eternitj^, our visit to the tomb will not have been un- 
profitable. 

'^ I well remember, in the early dawn of my expanding reason, 
with what care she laboured to instil into my mind a sense of the 
being of God, and of the reverence which is due to him ; of the 
character of a Saviour, and his infinite merits; of the duty of 
prayer, and the manner in which it ought to be offered up at the 
throne of grace. Her way of enforcing these subjects was like one 
who felt their importance, and wished her child to do so likewise. 
First instructed by her to read, I have not forgotten, in my Bible 
lessons, with what simplicity and propriety she used to explain and 
comment on the word of God, its precepts, and examples. These 
infantine catechetical exercises still vibrate in my recollections, 
and confirm to my own mind the great advantage attendant upon 
the earliest possible endeavours to win the attention^ and store the 
memory with religious knowledge. Her natural abilities, which 
were of a superior character, enabled her to converse with a very 
little child with much effect ; and there was a tenderness of affec- 
tion, united to a firmness of manner, which greatly promoted the 
best interests of a nursery education. 

" My mother had six children, three of whom died in infancy. 
A very affecting circumstance accompanied the death of one of 
them, and was a severe trial to her maternal feelings. Her then 
youngest child, a sweet little boy, just two years old, was, through 
the carelessness of his nurse, precipitated from abed-room window 
upon the pavement beneath. I was at that time six years of age, 
and happened to be walking on the very spot, when the distressing 
event occurred : I was, therefore, the first to take up, and deliver 
into our agonized mother's arms, the poor little sufferer. The 
head was fractured, and he only survived the fall about thirty 
hours. I still preserve a very distinct and lively remembrance of 
the struggle between the natural feelings of the mother, and the 
spiritual resignation of the Christian. She passed the sad interval 
of suspense in almost continual prayer, and found God a present 
help in time of trouble. Frequently, during that day, did she 



228 MEMOIRS OF THE 

retire with me ; and, as I knelt beside her, she uttered the feelings 
and desires of her lieart to God. I remember her saying, * If I 
cease praying for five minutes, I am ready to sink under this un- 
looked-for distress ; but when I pray, God comforts and upholds 
me : his will, not mine, be done.' Once she said, ' Help me to pray, 
my child : Christ suffers little children to come to him, and forbids 
tliem not — say something.' ' AVhat shall I say, mamma ? — shall 1 
fetch a book V ^ Not now,' she replied : ' speak from your heart ; 
and ask God that we may be reconciled to his will, and bear this 
trial with patience.' 

'' The day after the infant's death, she took me to the bed on 
which my little brother lay ; and kneeling down, she wept for a 
few minutes in silence ; and then, taking his cold hand in one ot 
her's, and mine in the other, she said — ' Lord, if it had not been 
thy good pleasure, it had not been thus. Thy will be done ! I 
needed this heavy trial, to show me more of myself, and to wean 
me from the world. Forgive my sins, O God ! and let me not 
murmur.' Then looking at the cherub countenance of her babe, 
she added—' Thou art not lost, but gone before !' She then put 
his hand into mine, and said—' If yon live, my child, never forget 
this ; and may I one day meet you both in heaven !' 

" I have dwelt upon this part of my dear parent's history with 
the more minuteness, because she has frequently told me, that it 
was not only the greatest shock which her feelings were ever called 
upon to sustain; but that she was persuaded it was overruled by 
God for the most salutary purpose, as it concerned the spiritual 
discipline of her own heart. To the end of her life, she wore a 
little locket attached to her watch : it contained a lock of her poor 
little Henry's hair ; and she often looked at it, and spoke of it, as a 
remembrance of God's goodness to her, at a most trying season. 

" These things occurred at Stockport, when we were on a visit 
to my father's mother and sisters, in the early part of the year 
1778. The recollection of what I have related is still clear and im- 
pressive on my mind. 

" Not many weeks after the death of this child, my father pro- 
posed a tour into Yorkshire, Westmoreland, Cumberland, and 
Lancashire, with a view to the restoration of my mother's health 
and spirits, which had materially suffered from her distress of 
mind. A journey through scenes of so much beauty as the moun- 
tains and lakes of that district afford, was rendered peculiarly inte- 
resting by the state of mind in which it was undertaken. 

"My mother had a correct taste for landscape scenery, and loved 



REV. LEGH RICHMOND. 229 

to trace the hand of the Creator in his works. She had also an 
acquaintance with the history, antiquity, and biography of her 
country, which was much gratified 5y the objects, both of art and 
nature, associated with them. Her memory was enriched with 
many of tljp best descriptive passages in the works of the poets, 
and she was able to quote and apply them to the various objects 
which presented themselves to her notice. My father's mind was 
perfectly congenial to hers in these things. 

" Young as I was at the time, I feel a grateful satisfaction in 
retaining so much as I do of the scenes through which we passed, 
and of the remarks which they made, in conversation upon them. 
I need not tell you^ my children, how great a source of pleasure I 
myself have derived from the contemplation of the beauties of 
landscape, taken in connexion with its associated circumstances, 
and more especially in its relation to the hand that formed them. 

" To this journey in my childhood, accompanied as it was by the 
tender anxiety of my mother in particular, to direct my attention 
to every object worthy of notice, and the impressive manner in 
which her late severe trial led her to utter her sentiments, I ascribe 
much of my own turn of mind, as associated with the works of 
nature. Her little boy was permitted to ramble with her amongst 
the noble scenery of Skiddaw and Helvellyn ; to sail on the smooth 
expanses of Derwent water and Windermere ; and to have his won- 
dering eye directed by her to the cataracts of Barrow and Low- 
dore. He was allowed to visit, with her, the minsters of Ripon and 
York, the ruins of Fountain's Abbey, the splendid castle of Raby, 
and the romantic course of the Tees. Amidst the whole, she did 
not forget to teach him the importance of treasuring up useful in- 
formation, cultivating a taste for the wonders of nature and art, 
and of learning how much it is the Christian's duty, 

* To look through nature, up to nature's God.' 

And now, when no longer himself a little boy, but a father, writing 
to his own little boys, he feels a kindred pleasure in endeavouring 
to excite in them a love for these early enjoyments of his own 
childhood^ through which he was so affectionately led by the hand 
and the heart of his mother. 

" In the year 1782, my father quitted his residence at Liverpool, 
and settled in the city of Bath, where he practised as a physician 
about twenty-four years. As it is my intention to write to you 
principally upon what I have seen and known of my mother 

20 



2:^0 MEMOIRS OF THE 

during the latter part of a life prolonged to nearly eighty- four 
years ; and as, in so doing, I shall have occasion to make several 
references to the circumstances that preceded this period, I shall 
in a more cursory manner speak of the events of her domestic 
history. 

'' Her mother, Mrs. Atherton, died at Batli, in the ninetieth year 
of her age, in the year 1789. Slic was a woman of remarkable 
sweetness of disposition ; and possessed many qualities of mind 
which greatly endeared her to a valuable circle of acquaintance, 
tvcn to that advanced period. Serious, sensible, and clieerful, her 
conversation was instructive and entertaining : full of anecdote 
and good sense, she was an interesting companion to the young, 
and even to children, as well as to their elders. She evidenced a 
very marked regard for religious principles, and services, and 
adorned them with a corresponding conduct. She bore her facul- 
ties very meekly, and enjoyed an almost uninterrupted state of 
good health, until, after a short, and not painful illness, she gently 
sunk into the grave 3 and, full of years and respect, 'slept with 
her fathers.' 

" In the whole of their deportment, and in the management of 
the family, my parents maintained great order and propriety, 
founded upon conscientious principles. They steadily resisted the 
torrent of folly, vice, and dissipation, for which the gay city of 
Bath is distinguished. While the giddy votaries of fashionable 
life incessantly whirled in the vortex of ensnaring pleasure, they 
cultivated, for themselves and their children, sentiments and habits 
of a domestic and rational character. Regular and prudential in 
all their household arrangements, they maintained a valuable in- 
tercourse with many estimable friends ; and set their children a 
uniform example of steady resistance to those temptations so in- 
jurious to all, but especially to the rising generation. Their even- 
ings were much spent at home, in family reading and improving 
conversation. By pursuing this course, they hoped to lay a foun- 
dation for future domestic usefulness, in their childrens' disposi- 
tions. I shall ever retain a grateful remembrance of the sober and 
temperate regulations which characterized my paternal proof. It 
was their desire to bring us up in the fear of God, and to teach 
us the important lesson of self-denial^ so essential to the forma- 
tion of Christian principle. 

" My dear mother felt much anxiety on my account, during the 
period of my residence in Trinity College, Cambridge, which 
commenced in 1789, and terminated in 1797. A tide of infidel 



REV. LEGH RICHMOND. 231 

and democratical principles burst upon this country at that period, 
in connexion with the French revolution. Many young men, and 
not a few at the Universities, were deeply infected with them : it 
was indeed a dark and dangerous epoch, and she dreaded the in- 
fluence of evil communications. Her letters used to breathe the 
language of parental caution, and evidenced the correctness of her 
judgment. The following extract is from one bearing date 1790: — 

" ^ I hope that my dear son does not, in the midst of his literar}^ 
studies, forget those that pertain to religion. I cannot help trem- 
bling for my country, in these days of infidel democracy. I fear 
too many young students at College treat the Scriptures with ne- 
glect, if not with contempt. Some such have lately passed the 
Christmas vacation at Bath, and have made a very unbecoming 
display of their sentiments, at the coffee-houses and public rooms. 
I sincerely hope that you wall be preserved from this contagion. It 
has been my prayer to God, from your infancy, that you might 
live and die a true Christian. I am more anxious about this point 
than about your classical and mathematical attainments, import- 
ant as they may be. I know you will bear with a mother's exhor- 
tations : they come from a heart which has long beat with anxiety 
for your welfare,' &c. &c. 

"In a subsequent letter, of the same period, she writes: — 

" 'Your sentiments in answer to your father's last, on the subject 
of religion, gave me no small satisfaction. Whoever deserts that 
firm foundation, is exposed to every gale of passion ; and at best 
spends his life in a comfortless and agitated state ; for doubt is mi- 
sery to a thinking mind; and human reason, with all its self-suffi- 
ciency, is easily misled by inclination.' 

" It was a subject of peculiar satisfaction to my mother, that af- 
ter four years' residence at college, during which period my father 
had left me to the free choice of the proressions of the law or the 
church-, I at length deliberately preferred the latter. Before that 
period it had been otherwise — both my father's mind and my own 
had leaned to the former ; but when I assigned to him a variety of 
motives for entering into the ministry, which resulted frg^ much 
consideration on my part, he cheerfully acquiesced in my decision. 

" I then first discovered that it had been my mother^s secret 
wish and prayer, from my birth, that I might become a minis- 
ter of God^s word ; but she had never disclosed it to me, from a fear 
of creating an undue bias, in a matter which she considered of so 
great importance. Her views of the ministerial profession were 
peculiarly serious, and she dreaded the idea of a rash intrusion 



'Z\i'^ MEMOIRS OF THE 

into the sacred office. She had wished me to be guided by the 
unfettered disposition of my own mind, and hoped God would di- 
rect me in the right path. Her sentiments may be gathered from 
the following extract of a letter, dated March, 1794 : — 

"'Your account of the motives which have determined you to 
enter into the church, as contained in your letter to your father, 
has given us both great satisfaction. Your determination on this 
point appears to me as an answer to the prayers which I have been 
offering up ever since you were born. The character of a good 
clergyman has ever stood foremost in my estimation; and on the 
other hand, that of a careless^ idle, and dissipated^ and above 
all, an immoral one, has been my dread and abhorrence. The 
object of almost every other profession terminates with this world 
and its concerns ; but that of a clergyman looks to eternity. Here 
much depends upon the cliaracter and conduct of the minister of a 
parish. Your grandfather Richmond was an excellent pattern of 
what a pastor should be, and I smcerely wish you may tread in his 
steps. I am sorry to say that Bath has loner been the annual resort 
of a class of young clergymen, whom I hope you will never imi- 
tate. The ball-room, the theatre, and the card-table, are not the 
appointed scenes of clerical occupation. / love the Church of 
England too well, not to feel hurt and ashamed when the levity 
and unsuitable conduct of any of her clergy give the world at 
large a just ground for censure. 

" ' My feelings respecting yourself and the sacred profession have 
been constantly associated with the principles of a little book, with 
which I wish you to become better acquainted. It is called ' A 
Mother's Legacy to an unborn Child.' It was written by Mrs. 
Joccline, who was aunt to my great-grandfather. Sir Richard 
Brooke, of Norton. Her thoughts and wishes, relative to her child 
becoming a clergyman, are precisely my own. Her book is a very 
interesting and affecting composition, and has long been a favourite 
companion of mine. 

"'Your choice of your profession has eased my mind of a consi- 
derable burden; and the principles you express give me hope, that 
if my life be spared, you will be a comfort to my old age, and also 
a blessing to many others. Pray to God for direction and counsel 
in all your ways; trust in the mercy of the Saviour, and pursue 
the path of duty, as the appointed way to happiness.' 

" I was ordained a deacon in the month of June, 1797, by the 
Bishop of Winchester, in consequence of eV^.aining the curacy 



REV. LEGH RICHMOND. 233 

of Brading, in the Isle of Wight. On this occasion, she wrote 
to me — 

" * I passed the evening of the day on which my dear son was or- 
dained, (last Trinity Sunday,) in privacy and prayer. Next to the 
day that gave you birth, I consider it as the most important of 
your life. You are now become a minister of the church. Yours 
is a weighty charge — may God give you grace to fulfil its duties 
aright. You are going to reside in a beautiful country, and I hope 
you will also find ' the beauty of holiness' there. I always had a 
desire to see the Isle of Wight; and now I have the prospect of 
visiting the young pastor and his flock, as an additional inducement 
to go there. I shall conclude by observing, that as it may now 
seem too presuming in me to give lectures on theology to a reve- 
rend divine, I shall henceforth rather expect to receive them from 
you ; but a mother's prayers may be as needful as ever, and her 
blessing no less acceptable than formerly. Take them both from 

' Your affectionate mother, 

' C. R.' 

" Such, my dear children, were the mqternal auspices under 
which I entered on the work of the ministry. As to myself, I had 
much, very much yet to learn, and not a little to unlearn; but 
whatever lessons I had to acquire, or whatever mercies to expe- 
rience, they are all rendered doubly valuable to me, as connected 
with the prayers and blessings of such a parent. 

" Peace and gratitude be to her memory, from the heart of 

" Your affectionate father." 

LETTER IV. 

" My dear Children, 

"I had scarcely entered upon the work of the ministry, when 
a train of circumstances led me to a much deeper and more anx- 
ious investigation into the real nature of the religion of the Bible, 
and of the Church of England, than I had hitherto pursued. But 
as my present object is not to speak of myself, otherwise than as 
immediately and necessarily connected with my dear parent, I 
shall only observe, that my correspondence and intercourse with 
her, from that period, assumed a very serious and affectionate 
character, upon all tho great points of scriptural truth. 

" My own mind has been thoroughly convinced, that it is very 
possible to enter into the sacred office of the ministry, with all the 
advantages of theological and literary attainments— with a mind 

20* 



234 MEMOIRS OF THE 

not insensible to the moral and benevolent duties of the clerical 
character— and with u general acquaintance with all the system of 
our ecclesiastical formularies, and still be a stranger to the es- 
sential and discriminating principle, on which rest all the ener- 
gies and all the efficacy of personal and social religion. I evident- 
ly perceived the application of this important remark to my own 
case, and was gradually led to the deliberate and conscientious 
adoption of what I then did believe, and now do believe, to be the 
truth, the only genuine source of inward peace and vital holiness." 

[Here the manuscript ends.] 

We feel considerable regret at the abrupt conclusion of this 
manuscript, not only on account of the reader, but for the sake of 
Mr. Richmond's family, to whom it would have served as a valua- 
ble and authentic memorial, endeared by its being the production 
of their father. It seems to have been commenced shortly after 
the death of his mother, which occurred in February, 1819 ; and it 
is probable, that his numerous engagements prevented him from 
completing the interesting detail. We cannot forbear observing 
how important it is, thdt men, whose writings are likely to benefit 
others, should leave nothing of real moment unfinished— that they 
should beware of trusting to a futurity which they may never 
realize.* 

We can supply the deficiency in the above Memoir, only by the 
insertion of the following papers. We are sorry that our materials 
are not more ample. 

The first is a prayer, found among his mother's papers, and 
which appears to have been composed by her at the time her son 
first went to college. 

" O Lord, the author and fountain of all good thmgs ! from thy 
bountiful mercy and goodness, we thine unworthy creatures re- 
ceive all we possess and enjoy, valuable in this world, and also the 

♦ The writer remembers once paying- a visit to Dr. Watson, the well-knowTi 
Bishop of Llandaff, at his beautiful residence at the Lakes, and seeing him 
surrounded by several volumes which he was successively examining- : on 
asking- his lordship what was the subject of his studies — he replied, " these, 
sir, are my own works. At my advanced age, I mu.«t expect to be drawing 
near the grave, and I am preparing for the press a final edition of all that 1 
have written, revised and corrected by my own hand, to prevent an editor 
mutilating them after my death." His decease occurred about twelve 
months afterwardB, which was the best proof of the prudence of the meaflure. 



REV. LEGH RICHMOND. 235 

assured hope and confidence of eternal happiness in the world to 
come. Look down, I most earnestly beseech thee, upon the hearty- 
desires of thy humble servant. Bestow, O Lord, upon this child 
such a portion of thy heavenly grace as may support him in all 
the dangers, and carry him through all the temptations of this 
wicked and degenerate age. Let the enemy of our salvation have 
no advantage over him; and let not the wicked one be able to ap- 
proach to hurt him ; visit him, O Lord, with thy salvation, and 
keep him in perpetual peace and safety. Let not the pernicious 
examples of any of his companions ever incline him to transgress 
thy laws in thought, word, or deed. May he abhor and detest 
every thing that has the appearance of immorality, and flee from 
sin as from a fiery serpent. Grant, O Lord, that, after the pattern 
of his blessed Saviour, he may increase in wisdom and know- 
ledge ; may he grow in grace as well as years, and in favour with 
God and man. May he be dutiful and obedient to all those who 
have the rule and authority over him. May he cheerfully and 
readily obey their commands, and in every thing be directed and 
instructed by their guidance and counsels. May he behave with 
due judgment and propriety to all his equals; and to his inferiors 
may he always show himself condescending and obliging. En- 
due him, O Lord, with such a share of natural faculties and abili- 
ties, that he may receive and retain the instructions and precepts of 
his tutors and teachers : but grant, O Lord, that human knowledge 
may not prejudice that which is divine ; let him rather study thee 
and thy kingdom, than all things else. To know thee, O Lord, 
is to be truly wise, and to contemplate and meditate on thee, and 
thy wonderful goodness to the children of men, is the highest 
learning. 

" Finally, O Lord, if it be thy blessed will, grant him such a mea- 
sure of thy wisdom from above, that, in the future course of his hfe, 
he may become a useful member of society ; and having served 
Thee faithfully in this life, by doing good in his generation, may 
he be made partaker of everlasting glory in thy Son's kingdom in 
heaven, where there is fulness of joy, and at whose right hand there 
are pleasures for ever more. All this I most humbly and earnestly 
intreat, in and through the merits and mediation of thy Son our 
Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, in whose name, and in whose 
words, thou hast promised to be propitious to the petitions of those 
who approach thy throne with faith and sincerity. 

" Our Father, which art in heaven," &c. 



236 MEMOIRS OF THE 

Mr. Richmond's mother was sometimes exercised with fears 
respecting her right apprehension of divine truth. His correspon- 
dence was made highly useful in giving her more just, solid, and 
correct views on this subject. The following letter, written on 
one of these occasions, exhibits a lucid statement of Christiein 
doctrine. 

" My very dear Mother, 

^' I trust that the letter which you have written to me, will nei- 
ther in length nor strength be one of only few such, which I may 
be happy enough to receive. No ; write to me constantly, while 
hand and eye, and heart and head, are thus mercifully spared for 
the instruction and gratification of 3^our children. Write to me on 
what concerns the body, and also the soul. The latter especially 
claims our mutual contemplation. Ere long we shall both be in eter- 
nity ; you, perhaps, a little sooner, and I in a short space to follow. 
Yet even this natural order of providence may be reversed, if God 
see good. At all events, what are the few short days and years of 
time compared with a ' for ever V Cherish, my dear mother, 
clear, deep, solid, unfading views of the Saviour's work; a work 
so perfect, tliat the sinner can neither add to nor take away from 
it — a work which ensures peace to the guilty — pardon to the of- 
fending — light to the blind — life to the dead ! Beware of disho- 
nouring Christ, by doubting of his poAver or willingness to save 
because you feel yourself unworthy, sinful, and weak. Faith ho- 
nours him by believing. ^ What must I do to be saved ?' cried the 
gaoler ; ' believe on the Lord Jesus Christ,' was Paul's reply. 
Salvation is wholly of faith from first to last. This is the grand 
discriminating principle between true scriptural evangelical reli- 
gion, and all mere imitations or assumptions of that title. Our 
paradox is, that 'weakness is strength.' The soul that by faith, 
through grace, is saved without works,* obtains an inward princi- 
ple of love, which must work., cannot hut work^ and actually 
does work.] The order is thus : First, God loved us ; secondly, 
thence we obtain faitli to trust him ; thirdly, we are thus saved ; 
fourthly, we therefore love him wlio first loved us; fifthly, this 
love produces good thoughts, words, and works, as thefruits^ not 

* " By grace arc yc saved, through Jaith ; and that not of yourselves ; it ia 
the g-iftuf God. \ot qficorks, lest any man should Inxist." — Eph. ii. 8, 9. 

t See Homily " on tlic true, lively, and Christian faith." Wc also beg- to 
refer the reader to the remarks made on the whole of this doctrine in the re- 
view of Mr. Daubeny's work- 



REV. LEGH RICHMOND. 237 

the root^ of our salvation. Thus is He the author and finisher of 
our faith, and the author of salvation to all them that obey Him. 
He has promised to all, as well as to David, to perfect the thing 
which concerneth his people : whom he loveth, he loveth to the 
end ; trust him, therefore, evermore. Such is the Christian's doc- 
trinal, practical, and experimental creed. 

" I preached, on Sunday, a right loyal sermon for poor queen 
Charlotte, and traversed all the useful and exemplary features in 
her character. This day she is to be buried. Peace to her memo- 
ry ! Poor king George ! In the midst of life he is, as it were, in 
death— in light, darkness — in riches, poor — in splendour, dulness 
— in society, solitary : — yet, happily, not dead — not dark— not 
poor — not dull — not solitary. Providence hangs a veil of mys- 
tery over him, but grace illumines it, even while we can scarcely 
discern through it the form of our revered monarch. He sees 
consolations and companions from on high. He has the peace 
which the world cannot give, nor sickness take away ; therefore 
he is a happy man. Our journey was well bestowed on Fanny, 
and will, I hope, leave a lasting impression on her mind, of a useful 
sort. I do with you hope that my valuable acquaintance may be of 
future use to my children ; the ' promise,' you know, ' is not only to 
us, but to them.' " 

The following letter, addressed by Mr. Richmond to his wife, 
enables us to supply some information relative to the last mo- 
ments of his father ; at the same time that it affords a fine 
illustration of the faith and resignation of his mother. The event 
here alluded to, occurred at Stockport, in Cheshire, in the year 
1806. 

" Dearest Mary, 
" I sent you a few hastily penned lines last night. As soon 
as I had finished them, I went to our medical friend, from whom I 
had a regular account of the melancholy event which has brought 
me here. I had previously written a note, that I might be shown 
into a room with my dear mother alone. I then went with Mary, 
and found my mother in a most interesting struggle between di- 
vine consolation and natural affection. My first words, after an 
mterval of silence, were, ' are you supported, my dear mother V 
' Beyond all hope and expectation,' was the reply. ' Do you feel 
the consolations of Religion ^2' ' I am resigned to the stroke, though 
it rends my heart in two. I may weep ; but I dare not, will not 



2M MEMOIRS OF THE 

complain. I never deserved him ; he was lent to me, and now 
God has taken him again. You are come to support a poor wi- 
dowed mother's heart ; and I know you will be, what your dear 
sister Fanny has already been, the prop and strength of my age 
and affliction.' I was astonislied and melted at her fortitude and 
resignation. I find my dear father's mind, for three weeks past, 
was calm and tranquil, expressive of much faith, patience, and hope. 
My mother was reading that exquisite commentary of Bishop 
Home, on the 23d Psalm. He observed, at the close of the fourth 
verse, 4hat is heavenly, and it is my comfort.' He then suddenly 
said, ' my head is giddy,' staggered to the sofa, and fell into my 
mothers arms; his eyes fixed, and a deadly paleness on his face. 
She contrived to ring the bell, and instantly returned to him; he 
gasped for breath, and groaned twice. The servant came in and 
lifted up his legs ; he gave one more slight struggle, and breathed 
out his soul in my mother's arms. She sat with him two hours in 
silent composure ; unable to weep, but calm in grief. That night 
she could not sleep, but gained relief by much weeping. Fanny 
arrived on Sunday evening, and slept with our dear mother. After 
I had sat for half an hour yesterday evening, the rest came in one 
by one, and we fell into a solemn but tranquil conversation. My 
very heart was ready to burst ; but I concealed my feelings as 
much as possible. After a while, I went to see the body of my fa- 
ther. As we proceeded up stairs, I found my legs tremble, and 
when I came to the room door, I staggered ; but instantly offering 
up a prayer for strength, felt relieved, and advanced. 

"Instead of seeing any thing to inspire terror, I beheld his well- 
known and honoured countenance so calm, heavenly, mild, and un- 
altered, that it seemed only like a sweet sleep. I never felt more 
composed ; and we sat three-quarters of an hour, chiefly in silent 
contemplation. I could only now and then interrupt it by, ' Oh ! 
how sweet a countenance ! — there is nothing terrible in this ! It is 
tlie emblem of peace and composure. Oh ! my dear father ! I 
could have wished to have closed your eyes — but God's will be done !' 
AVith difficulty I left the room. I went down to supper. After- 
wards, I requested all the house to assemble, and read 1 Cor. xv. ; 
and then offered up a solemn and appropriate prayer. Great feel- 
ing pervaded us all. 

" This morning at nine o'clock, commenced the business of the 
funeral. My heart again failed me. I was excessively tried in the 
procession through the church-yard, and in the church. I was, 



REV. LEGH RICHMOND. 239 

however, inwardly strengthened, and shed the last tear over his 
remains. 

" On returning to the house, for a moment I fainted, but recover- 
ed. Indeed, my dear love, it has been a very trying scene to me. 
A thousand tender recollections of past days have successively 
crowded upon my mind; and every object here reminds me so 
much of a beloved and revered parent, that I cannot but feel deeply. 

" He seems to have had a presentiment of his approaching end, 
but rather concealed it from others. I never felt myself of such 
power to console as at this moment. My dear mother says, ' You 
are my oak, and I am a poor ivy clinging around you : now you 
are my child indeed.' " 

The ensuing letter contains all the particulars with which we are 
furnished respecting the decease of this excellent woman, in Janu- 
ary. 1819. It is addressed to one of his daughters. He had pre- 
viously seen her on his return from Scotland, in the preceding 
autumn ; and remarked that she looked more aged, though not 
complaining ; but she expressed her apprehensions that they were 
meeting for the last time. 

"My dear F , 

" I am just returned, after executing the difficult and affecting 
task of preaching a funeral sermon for my most excellent and re- 
vered mother, at her parish church. I took my subject from Psahn 
cxv. 1. as best suited to her humble, meek, and believing frame of 
mind. It was indeed a trying eifort ; but God carried me through 
surprisingly. I introduced some very interesting papers, which I 
have found amongst her memoranda, in her own hand-writing. 
Her last message to me was — ^ Tell my son, I am going direct to 
happiness.' 

"Never was there a more delightful and heavenly countenance 
than her's, as she lay in her coffin ; it combined every sentiment 
which the most devout mind could desire : love— joy — peace — gen- 
tleness — goodness — faith — meekness— charity, all shone serenely 
bright. I followed her to her grave, in Lancaster church-yard, 
where she lies under a sycamore tree, amid the magnificent land- 
scape of sea, mountains, rivers, castle, and church around. You 
remember its high beauties. But you very imperfectly know the 
high qualities of head and heart which your grandmamma possess- 
ed — I never met with her equal at the same age. I occupy her little 
room, adjoining her bed-room, by day ; and it is a great consola- 
tion to me to sit in her arm-chair and think of her, and read her pa- 



240 MEMOIRS OF THE 

pcrs on various subjects. There you and I took leave of her, in 
November last — but, ahis ! her place knoweth her no more ! I look 
out of the window, at the grand range of snow-capt mountains, 
which are now beautiful in the extreme. I had no conception of 
the winter beauties of these hills ;— Lansdale Piles, Rydad Head, 
Hill Bell, Helvellyn, &c. &c. all finely illuminated with snow-sun- 
shine, in diversified shades. And then I think of my dear mother, 
and how she enjoyed their characteristic grandeur. 

"Letters pour in daily, from all parts of England, condoling with 
us in our great loss. My mother was loved and honoured most 
extensively. Dear woman ! for forty-seven years I have proved 
thy affection, and can trace, from earliest infancy, the tokens of 
thy worth. May I follow thee in humility, faith, and love ; and 
cherish thy memory with gratitude and honour !" 

The following lines were inscribed on the tombstone of the late 
Mrs. Richmond, which is inclosed with iron railing, and placed 
under a sycamore tree in Lancaster church-yard, on the west side, 
erected by her three afl[licted children to her memory : — 

Sacred to the memory of Catharine, widow of Henry Richmond, M. D. (for- 
merly of Liverpool, and late of Bath,) and daughter of John Atherton, Esq, 
late of Walton Hall, in this county, who departed this life, January the 30th, 
. 1919 ; in the eig-hty-fourth year of her age. 

The hoary head is a crown of glory, if it be found in the way of righteousness, 

C.R. 

SOLI DEO GLORIA. 

What though AfHiction here would heave a sigh, 
That one so loved and so revered should die — 
Calm Resi^naiiou clasps a Saviour's cross, 
And mourns, but does not murmur at the loss. 
*Twas there her meek and lowly soul was taught 
To seek the heavenly crown his blood had bought. 
'Twas thence, in njercy, beamed the welcome ray, 
Which cheered with hope the aged pilgrim's way. 
This mouldering dust shall here repoee in peace, 
Till that great day, when time itself shall cease. 
Her spirit is with God ; and this its plea — 
•' My Saviour liv'd, my Saviour died for me I" 

Not unto us, O Lord, not unto us, but unto thy name g-ive glory, for thy mer- 
cy and for thy truth's sake. 

The following obituary, relating to this event, was inserted in 
one of the periodicals of the day :— 



REV. LEGH RICHMOND. 241 

" On January 30th, 1819, died, at Leighton Hall, near Lancaster, 
aged 83, Catharine, widow of Dr. Henry Richmond, formerly of 
Liverpool, and late of Bath. Mrs. Richmond was, through life, 
distinguished by superior intellectual faculties, cultivated taste, and 
most amiable manners. These she retained to the last. But these 
qualities were only subservient to a solid and enlightened piety of 
heart, founded upon a cordial reception of the principles of the 
Gospel of Christ. The deep humility of her disposition, her meek 
and quiet spirit, and her devotional sense of a Saviour's mercies 
have seldom been exceeded. With her increasing age, God blessed 
her with increasing enjoyment of divine truths ; and enabled her to 
meditate, converse, and correspond upon them with a vigour of 
mind, sobriety of judgment, and simplicity of affection, which 
proved the holy source from whence they proceeded. 

" Her son engaged in the affecting task of preaching her funeral 
sermon, in the parish church of Warton, on Sunday, Feb. 14, to a 
large congregation, from Psalm cxv. 1 ; a subject selected as being 
peculiarly expressive of her own views and feelings when living. 
The mingled tears of relatives, friends, domestics, and neighbours, 
bore an interesting testimony to the love and veneration in which 
her memory is held." 

Thus had Mr. Richmond the delightful consolation of knowing, 
that both his parents departed in the hope and peace of the Gospel. 
Happy is it when the bonds of nature are knit more closely by 
those of grace ! — when the child and the parent are partakers of 
the same Christian hope, running the same race, and looking for- 
ward to the same eternal rest and glory ! 

" Oh ! what is death 1 'Tis life's last shore, 
Where vanities are vain no more ! 
Where all pursuits their goal obtain, 
And life is all retouched again : 
Where, in their bright results, shall rise 
Thoughts, virtues, friendships, griefs, and joya." 



CHAPTER XIV. 

AcWct-, and verses — Extracts from Diary — Tours to Scotland — lona— Letters ; friend- 
ly^ family^ and pastoral — Memoir of Miss Sinclair. 

Mr. Richmond, in his northern tours for the rehgious societies, 
often visited Scotland. On one of these occasions, he left his eld- 
est daughter under the hospitable roof of Dr. and Mrs. S , near 

Glasgow, with whom he had formed a particular intimacy. But 

21 



242 MEMOIRS OF THE 

whether present or absent, Mr. Richmond discovered a uniform 
anxiety for his children. Their spiritual welfare lay near his heart. 
He often wrote to them, and never omitted to make some useiul re- 
ference to the great concerns of eternity. 

The following letter, and copy of verses, addressed to his daugh- 
ter, exhibit a model of parental care and affection : — 

*^ Dear Mary, 
" I wrote to you on my ow7i birth-day, and now I do the same 
on yours. * There is a time to be born, and a time to die.' So says 
Solomon ; and it is the memento of a truly wise man. But I may 
add, there is an interval between these two timesj of infinite im- 
portance. 

" Does my beloved child duly appreciate this ? Not all the 
charms of nature, either Scottish or English, can for a moment 
compare with those of grace : and when can we better contemplate 
the real value of life, the vanity of the world, the worth of a soul, 
and the need of a Saviour, than when the lapse of time brings 
round the anniversary day of our birth ? It seems to concentrate 
all the experience and feeling of past days, and to unite them with 
the anticipations of those which are yet to come ; it speaks to 
youth and age alike, and sunimons both to prayer and meditation. 
Soon will eternity overwhelm all the concerns of time, but will in- 
fallibly take its character from them. I sincerely hope that you 
are systematically improving time, with a view to that eternity. 
Your opportunities have been many and valuable ; your privileges 
great — may every ensuing day prove that they are not lost upon 
you. Religious parentage and social connexions alone cannot 
save ; personal religion in the heart is every thing. Our dear 

friend Mrs. S appears to enjoy it in deed and in truth. Prize 

such a friend ; not only because she is kind, and agreeable, and 
worthy, but because she is a child of God, a member of Christ, and 
an inheritor of the kingdom of heaven ; and as such^ may be the or- 
dained mstrument of God, for establishing the same principle in you. 
Think of us all, not for the mere love's sake of earthly kindred, but 
for the love of Jesus, as connected with the family of heaven. This 
alone gives to charily itself its value. 

^- Farewell, ray dear child ; and while you pray for yourself, for- 
get not 

" Your aflfectionate father, 

"Legh Richmond." 



REV. LEGH RICHMOND. 243 



ADDRESSED TO mSS RICHMOND, 

ACCOMPANIED BY A LOCKET OF DERBYSHIRE FLUOR SPAR, IN THE FOBM OP A 

HEART. 

Here I offer my daughter a heart without sin, 
That knows nought of corruption and sorrow within ! 
A heart which you see is so curiously wrought, 
That it ne'er can offend — not so much as in thought ! 

That its virtues are shining within and without, 
Is a truth which admits of no rational doubt : 
Its cliaracter, Mary, is pure and sincere ; 
And its inmost ideas transparent and clear. 

'Tis a heart that will bear the minutest inspection, 
And never proves guilty of any deception : 
What it was, that it is — what it is, it will be — 
Unconscious of guile or to you or to me. 

It may seem to be strange — nay, it is so, I own — 
That this heart, though so pure, is as hard as a stone 
1l resists all impressions which tenderness makes ; 
But if force be employed, it immediately breaks. 

And this heart, if once broken, can never be healed, 
Nor the least of its wounds be a moment concealed : 
And though stony its texture, and hard be its nature. 
Like yourself' this poor heart is a delicate creature. 

They make use of the emblem you wear at your breast : 
With " the hearts that are pure,"* do you seek to be blest j 
Weep and mourn for a nature by sin so deranged. 
And pray for a heart that's essentially changed. 

May the " stone" in your heart be removed far away, 
And the softened affections alone bear the sway ! 
They will lead you to Jesus with penitent sighs, 
Till the sun of his righteousness sweetly arise. 

May graces resplendent as those of the stone, 

Both within and without, be forever your own ! 

Let your heart be transparent, wherever you are, 

And your conduct will shine far more clear than the spar. 

But should you offend, and for sin be heart-broken, 
Behold on the cross there is Mercy's bright token ! 
The heart that is contrite God will not despise — 
The heart that is broken is dear in his eyes. 

Christ's love has no limit, then give him thy heart- 
In the deed shall His spirit free comfort impart : 
So the heart of the Saviour, allied close to thine. 
In a glorious unity ever will shine. L. R. 

♦ Matt. V. 8. 



•^44 MEMOIRS OF THE 

We regret that the limits of this memoir will not allow us to lay 
before our readers copious extracts from Mr. Richmond's Journals 
of his lours in Scotland. He adverts to them at all times with 
grateUiI recollection ; tliey form an interestintf part of his pulbic 
life, and, indeed, led to an important event in his family. We insert 
the following extract. 



EXTRACTS FROM DIARY. 

'' July 18. Went to Long-town, and entered Scotland by Gretna- 
Green — a disgrace to both countries. Proceeded to Dumfries. A 
superior place. Admired the town. Meditated as 1 walked along, 
on JRojn. vii. Search deep. *Lord, what is man !' 

" — 19. Went with the Rov. Dr. D. to visit the church Mauso- 
leum of Robert Burns, the poet, wliich cost 1500Z. Extraordinary 
and ornamented collection of monuments in the church-yard. 
Held a meeting to aid the circulation of the Hebrew Testament for 
the Jews, at the new Church. Well attended; 121. I2s. collected; 
and a foundation laid for a new society in behalf of the Jews. 

" — 20. Attended a Bible meeting. A very delightful day. Made 
some truly valuable acquaintances. Took leave of Dr. D. Mani- 
fold mercies. 

"—21. Set out for Biggar. Held a meeting for Hebrew Tes- 
tament. Collected 12/. 7^. 6d. Felt much respect for the memo- 
ry of the v^'^ll-known John Brown of Haddington, while I was in 
the house of his grandson, and amongst his great grand-children. 

" — 22. Breakfasted at Lanark. Went to see New Lanark and 
the Clyde Falls; Mr. Owen accompanied us. Nothing could ex- 
ceed the beauty of the scene. Saw the whole of the mills and 
machinery. Dined, and had much conversation with INIr. Owen 
on all his plans. They want a religious basis. 

" — 23. Sermon at Church. Went at four to Mr. Owen's school- 
room, and addressed the whole institution from Job xxii. 21. Fine 
sight. Collected 41. 3s. In the evening, held a meeting at Lanark 
church for Hebrew Testament. Two thousand people— grand 
spectacle. 

" — 24. Breakfasted with Mr. Owen. Conversed again on his 
new plan. Went to the school; saw the children go through all 
their various classes. The dancing may be pretty for children, but 
unquestionably leads to much evil among the adults. Many things 
are very interesting here, but require close investigation. Visited 
the fall of the Clyde— very superb indeed. Read, as I travelled on, 
Mr. Owen's manuscript. Some clever ideas of economical arrange- 



REV. LEGH RICHMOND. 245 

ment ; but it must fail, as it now stands. There is no Christ in 
his scheme^ and it cannot prosper. 

" July 25. Glasgow. Preached in the Episcopal chapel in the 
evennig, from Rom. xi. 17, 18. Fine congregation. Afterwards, 
attended a juvenile missionary meeting. 

" -- 26. Erskine. Dined with Dr. and Mrs. S. Most hospit- 
ably and kindly welcomed. A lovely retirement. 

" — 27. Paisley. Delivered an address for the Jews, to a very 
numerous assembly. Collected 23Z. Afterwards spent a very 
profitable evening. Much sensible and valuable conversation. 

" — 29. Read an account of my proceedings at Dumfries, in 
the Edinburgh Star. Lord, keep me humble, and show me the real 
character of myself. ' Lord, what is man !' 

" — 30. Paisley. Preached in the morning, from Rom. x. 11. 
Collected lOZ. lis. 5d. Addressed in the evening 3000 people, in- 
cluding 1500 children and young people. Wonderful crowd. Fine 
spectacle. Close and riveted attention. Returned home. I bless 
God for all his goodness. 

" — 31. Glasgow. Met Dr. C. Interesting and most profitable 
conversation, on plans for parochial visitation, intercourse, and re- 
form. Attended a meeting for the Jews. Noble assembly. Spoke 
for an hour. Collected 141. Mr. David P. is to travel with me 
into the Western and Northern Islands. 

" Aug-. 1. Isle of Bute. Was much struck with the grandeur 
and beauty of the Firth of Clyde. Exquisite view of the moun- 
tains. Tints indescribable. Marquis of Bute's— basaltic character 
of the rock. Visited a highland cottage; children reading; mo- 
ther and grandmother; spinner's wheel ; smoky roof; Gaelic Tes- 
tament. Religious conversation. Intelligence and seriousness. 
The cottage scene, and island scenery around, and spiritual asso- 
ciation altogether, constituted a most interesting coinbination. 

" — 2. Rothsay. Went to a Jews' meeting. Place overflow- 
ing. Collected 17Z. 17^. Had much interesting conversation this 
day about Ossian, and received some strong proofs of its authen- 
ticity. 

" — 3. In the course of the last three days, have seen some of 
the finest specimens of clouds, rolling over hills in every shape 
and manner. Also grand combinations of sea, island, and moun- 
tain beauty. O, for a heart to feel and acknowledge God's pro- 
tecting mercies! 

" — 13. Aros. Prayed earnestly for all my family and my 
parish. 

21* 



246 MEMOIRS OF THE 

The beauty of the following passage entitles it to insertion. 

VIEW FROM FAIRLY. 

* I arose early in the morn in":, to view the mountains of Ar- 
ran. They were enveloped in clouds, and rendered invisible. 
Thus, it occurred to me, have my fair prospects in the landscape 
of life been often obscured, and the mists of sadness or uncertain- 
ty have shed a gloom over my spirit. I have said, ' Why art thou 
cast down, O! my soul, and why art thou disquieted within me? 
Hope thou in God, for I shall yet praise Him, who is the health of 
my countenance, and my God.' 

" I looked again across the arm of the ocean which intervened, 
and I saw the clouds becoming gradually thinner ; the mountains 
showed their grotesque and interesting forms, as if seen through a 
veil, which at length dispersed, and the magnificent group of hills 
was seen in all its beauty. So, I thought, has mercy often shed 
her rays over the scene of life, dissolved the clouds of apprehension 
and sorrow, and cheered the whole prospect with the enlivening 
light of hope and love. Every mountain raises its head to the glo- 
ry of God, and all their fantastic but sublime combinations declare 
his wisdom, power, and goodness. This lovely scenery shall 
preach to my soul, and from its ever-varying features I will draw 
forth instruction, and subjects for praise and adoration." 

From Aros, island of Mull, Mr. Richmond wrote a letter to his 
son Wilberforce, and in the course of his journey another to Mrs. 
Richmond, both of which we here insert. 

" Aros, August 14, 1820. 
" My dear Wilberforce, 

" How little idea can my son form of the scenes with which his 
father is surrounded, amongst these Highlands and islands of the 
North. It is like being in another world. In some of these re- 
mote islands,where the Gaelic language is chiefly spoken, (though 
not to the exclusion of the English,) where different manners, 
dress, habits, dwellings, &c. prevail, 

' The world forgetting, by the world forgot,' 

it seems difficult to conceive that it is still Britain. I am now on 
my way for Staffa and lona, but whether the weather will be fine 
enough to allow of my projected excursion, remains a doubt ; you 
shall know before this letter is concluded. I propose this evening 



REV. LEGH RICHMOND. 247 

to gather a little company of Highland cotters, and to preach to 
them in a wild glen, in this romantic island. The parish church 
is fifteen miles distant. Yesterday I came from Oban, which is 
ihirty-rive miles by sea from this place ; but owing to the wind be- 
ing in the wrong direction, we made tacks amounting to one hun- 
dred miles, before we got into this little peaceful spot. This is a 
little inn— before it, in one direction, is the sea, and beyond, a vast 
range of mountains, called Morven, in Argyleshire ; in another di- 
rection, about half a mile off, is a ruined castle, standing on a bold 
knoll and rock, washed by the waves. On our right hand are the 
hills of the isle of Mull, covered with heath and cottages. Be- 
fore the door runs a salmon stream, rattling over stones : above 
thirty people were yesterday fishing and harpooning for salmon ; 
fifty of them weighed from four to twenty-five pounds each. Do- 
zens of children were in the river to catch eels, talking Gaelic with 
much vociferation and alacrity. 

" I think, in our voyage yesterday, I saw twenty ruined castles, 
and three inhabited ones, and above twenty-five of the islands of 
the Hebrides. The intelligent boatmen tell you all manner of 
ancient legends and histories connected with them and their an- 
cient masters. They carry you back into the days of Norwegian, 
Danish, and Irish story. I saw the spot where a part of the Spanish 
armada was wrecked ; and a gun still remains on a rock, belonging 
to one of tlie Spanish ships. It is on the main-land shore, opposite 
to the Isle of Mull. This is the grand scene of all Ossian's descrip- 
tions, and corresponds exactly with them. All the ruins are finely 
covered with ivy, and so are the rocks. 

" We have had much rain, and the mountain torrents run grand- 
ly down their sides. I think on Thursday we counted 350 cas- 
cades, in a morning ride : some of them gigantic. I remember 
seeing twenty-nine at one view. The wild magnificence of High- 
land scenery cannot easily be conceived. Parties of ladies are 
amongst the visitants, and in some places they cheerfully submit 
to many privations for the sake of the prospects. I go into the 
cottages, and set down with the poor people ; and talk with them 
on religious subjects, and receive rich milk and whiskey in return. 
There is much grateful affection about them. 

" In the map you may trace my route thus : Carlisle, Long- 
town, Annan, Dumfries, Biggar, Lanark, Glasgow, Greenock, Isle 
of Bute, Arran, Campbeltown, near the Mull of Kintyre, Arro- 
quliar, Inverary, Dalmally, Oban. Next, and yet to come, if all 
be well, is Staffa, lona, Fort William, Fort Augustus, Inverness, 



248 MEMOIRS OF THE 

Tain ; thence, downwards, towards Perth, Dundee, and Edinburgh. 
I am very thankful to God for pcrmittnig me to take this round, 
and more so for making my services very acceptable, and I hope 
useful. The trmpcst-beaten glens, the secluded isles, the populous 
towns, the romantic villages, all in their turn bear witness to the 
declaration of 'the truth as it is in Jesus.' I have a truly conge- 
nial companion in the 'Clemens' of the Christian Guardian;* he 
is just what I want, both for soul and body, and in each devotes 
himself to my aid and comfort most assiduously. Our views, 
principles, taste, and feelings, strictly accord. He is a student of 
divinity in the university at Edinburgh, and preparing for the 
Scotch church. I left Mary with Dr. S. last Tuesday ; she will 
soon go to Edinburgh, and wait till my return from the North of 
Scotland. I shall now lay down my pen, and probably not resume 
it until the point is decided, to-morrow or next day, whether the 
rain will allow of our visiting these most interesting of islands, 
Staffa and lona. The latter is thirty miles from hence ; the for- 
mer twenty, but on the opposite side. 

" Tuesday^ Aug. 15. Very wet, and we cannot proceed. Both 
lona, at twenty, and Staffa, at ten miles distance, are in sight, but 
it is very doubtful whether we shall reach them, as the Atlantic is 
full of mists, rain, and wind. I am waiting patiently for better 
weather, in a little inn, in this little island, five miles by three. 

" — 18. My dear boy, I have seen Staffa, and write this from 
lona. What I shall say I know not, for really I can say nothing 
as I ought. When I entered the cave of Fingal, I knew not whe- 
ther to burst out into one unceasing cry of astonishment, or medi- 
tate in unbroken silence of overwhelming wonder, or fall down 
upon my knees in devout adoration of Him who formed such a 
scene of sublime beauty. It beggars all description. This wgis on 
Wednesday: after waiting four days for weather, yesterday we 
arrived at this lonely scene of ruins and curiosities, and it more 
than answers all my expectations. Think of all we have read 
about lona, and imagine then a small part of my sensations." 

'' My dear love, 

" It would be no easy task to describe the laborious circuit of 
engagements and accompanying solicitudes, in which I am deeply 
engaged. Next week I enter the depths of the Highlands, and so 
far North : if all be well, the week after next I shall reach Staffa, 
the isle of wonders; and lona, the isle of caves and kings. 
♦ The Rev. D. Pitcairn. 



REV. LEGH RICHMOND. 249 

Amongst the spiritual mercies I have this week met with, are 
three new and distinct instances of the conversions and happy- 
deaths of children in Glasgow, Paisley, and Greenock ; two, 
through ^Little Jane.' The wide dispersion of, and impression 
connected with these tracts in Scotland, is scarcely credible. I 
have, in this respect, seen far beyond Hhe travail of my soul.' 
When I reflect upon the simplicity of their origin, and the little 
idea entertained of their ever going beyond the limited circulation 
of the Christian Guardian, I am sometimes lost in wonder at the 
success attending their publication. Surely, we may unitedly 
praise God for his unspeakable mercy to us in this one unexam- 
pled instance. 

" This situation is very lovely : near it stands the seat of Lord 
Blantyre, Mrs. Stewart's brother. Close by flows the magnificent 
river Clyde, widening gradually from two hundred yards, to three 
miles in breadth. Highly cultivated scenery is backed by stupen- 
dous groups of vast Highland mountains, forming the very first 
class of landscape. Ruined castles, elegant mansions, sea-port 
towns, woods, rocks, promontories, boats, ships, banks, succeed 
each other. Ben Lomond is seen in all his ponderous grandeur, 
and so is Benledi. The whole neighbouring scenery is indeed 
very fine. 

I preach three times at Paisley to-morrow ; at Glasgow on Mon- 
day ; at Rothsay, in the isle of Bute, on Wednesday ; at Greenock 
on Thursday ; at Port Glasgow on Friday ; at Arroquhar on Sun- 
day week." 

Mr. Richmond visited the island of lona twice ; he found there 
neither temple nor ordinances of religious worship, except in the 
occasional visits of a Scotch minister from an adjacent island ; and 
the appointment of a schoolmaster, who assembled the children in 
a rude building. 

From lona Mr. Richmond visited Staffa. We extract a few me- 
moranda from his diary, written at this time. 

" Aug. 19. Set off for a second view of Staffa. We took the 
good schoolmaster and his wife with us. No words can describe 
the whole : we had the afternoon sun upon all the most striking 
features of this magnificent group. The water was so calm that 
we went into the great cave in the boat, and thus obtained the 
finest view possible. We sang a hymn; it was sweetly echoed. 
Rows of prismatic pillars ; their crown twisted— pillars in all di- 
rections — an immense one at the end of the cave — shells on rocks 



250 MEMOIRS OF THE 

— covering of the roof— ruins of lona seen from the cave — sound 
of the surf— causeway of broken pillars— cattle feeding above- 
light and shade— cascades of surf— spray dashing— scenery much 
improved by the clearness of the day — lona huts— peculiar statis- 
tics of lona — schoolmaster's account — no clock, but sun and tide — 
seven watches — no shop— four sermons a year; once, four a day — 
schoolmaster reads weekly. 

'* Conversation this day, in the boat, very interesting. Re- 
turned to lona at eight o'clock. Drank tea with the good school- 
master. 

'' Au£r. 20. (Sunday.) Willy's birth-day ; God bless him ! 
Breakfast conversation with the schoolmaster. Plan for building 
a school-house. Preparation for sermon. Sweet quietness of this 
island. Sabbath morning. Went at eleven to the school-house, 
and gave a service. I preached to a large company of these poor 
lonians, from 2 Cor. V. Delightful! (The room, roof, windows, 
floor, desk, forms, people, &c.) Then I went and passed two 
hours alone, amid the ruins and graves. Had solemn and peace- 
ful meditations ! 

''At four gave another service, preaching from Luke xxiv. 47. 
At half past six gave a third, chiefly to the children. The last, by 
the schoolmaster interpreting in Gaelic, sentence by sentence. Much 
aflection. It was an interesting experiment ; he prayed, read, and 
sang in Gaelic. 

'' Passed a most comfortable evening, in conversation with these 
worthy lonians. Surely, I have learned much here ! A day to be 
remembered. I hope to raise a suflicient subscription to build a 
new^ school-house for lona. 

" Moon setting. Stars most bright at eleven. All reflected on 
the ocean, on the ruins, and from the hills and rocks." 

It will excite no surprise, that a man of Mr. Richmond's piety 
and taste should avail himself of this opportunity to visit the once 
celebrated island of lona, one of the Hebrides. lona now contains 
only one village, w^ith mean houses, and about 400 inhabitants. 
It is the most noted place of Caledonian antiquity.* It was for- 
merly the seat of the druids, some of whose sepulchral remains 
are still extant. Christianity was introduced into this island by 
St. Columba, after whom it was called I-colum-kill, or Columba's 
Cell. St. Columba came from Ireland to lona, in the sixth centu- 

♦ We refer the reader to Pennant's Tour through Scotland, and Johnson'i 
Tour to the Hebrides, for further information. 



REV. LEGH RICHMOND. 251 

ry, accompanied by twelve disciples, through whose missionary 
labours the greater part of Scotland was converted to the Chris- 
tian faith. The college founded by St. Columba was the seat and 
centre of literature and piety ; and from hence these blessings 
were diffused, not only over the British islands, but throughout a 
great part of Europe. The ruins of these ancient edifices still re- 
main as memorials of the apostolical labours of Columba, his asso- 
ciates and successors. lona is the burial place of forty-eight 
Scotch crowned heads, four Irish kings, eight Norwegian princes, 
or viceroys of the island, and a multitude of nobility and religious 
orders. It had also 360 crosses, which were all destroyed, except 
one, at the Reformation. The ruin of the once splendid cathedral 
cannot fail to interest the traveller, and to excite the deepest emo- 
tion in the heart of the Christian. It was under the influence of 
recollections like these, that Dr. Johnson composed the following 
celebrated passage. 

" We were now treading that illustrious island which was once 
the luminary of the Caledonian regions ; whence savage clans, and 
roving barbarians, derived the benefit of knowledge and the bless- 
ings of religion. To abistract the mind from all local emotion 
would be impossible if it were endeavoured, and would be foolish 
if it were possible. Whatever withdraws us from the power of 
our senses ; whatever makes the past, the distant, or the future 
predominate over the present, advances us in the dignity of think- 
ing beings. Far from me, and from my friends, be such frigid 
philosophy, as may conduct us, indifferent and unmoved, over any 
ground which has been dignified by wisdom, bravery, and virtue. 
The man is little to be envied, whose patriotism would not gain force 
upon the plains of Marathon, or whose piety would not grow 
warmer among the ruins of lona."* 

From lona, he wrote to Mrs. Richmond : 

"I am persuaded that my dearest Mary will not only allow me 
to express the strong sensations of my own heart, as connected 
with the remote and magnificent scenes in which a kind Provi- 

* See Journey to the Western Islands of Scotland, by Dr. Johnson. Bos- 
wcll, in his life of Dr. Johnson, relates the following anecdote respecting this 
passage :— " Sir Joseph Banks," he observes, " the respectable President 
of the Royal Society, told nic he was so much struck on reading it, that he 
clasped his hands togdher, and remained for some time in an attitude of si- 
lent admiration." 



252 MEMOIRS OF THE 

dence is at present placing me, but will sympathize and share them 
with me. Had I not sent oil' a letter two days since to Wilber- 
force, I would on this day have written to him, as it is his birth-day; 
which has been the subject of my early and earnest morning prayer, 
on a sabbath spent on this extraordinary and interesting island. 
You are not altogether unaware of the peculiar feelings and wishes 
which, for many years, I have cherished in regard to these islands ; 
and now the desire has been fully answered. You can form little 
idea of the characteristics of every thing and every body around 
me. The novelty, simplicity, singularity, the tout eiisemble^ is in- 
describable. I have been obliged to wait a whole week for suita- 
ble weather, and almost despaired of success, but I regret it not 
now. * God waits upon the waiters,' and we experience it. No 
one can visit these islands, without allotting from a week to a fort- 
night of disposable time for the purpose. You have seen my prints 
of Staffa ; but you have not seen them large and solid as the origi- 
nal. The sublimity, beauty, magnificence, singularities, wildness^ 
and overwhelming influence of the whole, quite stop my pen, and 
my breath, when I attempt either to write or speak on the subject 
I have made two separate visits to Staffa, and seen it within and 
without, with every possible advantage. My travelling friend, Mr. 
P., is of a truly congenial mind, and we have mutual pleasure in 
using the scenes of nature as means of grace. 

lona is delightful in another way. Here, amid the ruins of an- 
cient grandeur, piety, and literature — surrounded by the graves and 
mouldering grave-stones of kings, chieftains, lords of the islesj 
bishops, priests, abbesses, nuns, and friars — the scene decorated with 
the fine and romantic remains of cathedral, colleges, nunnery, cha- 
pels, and oratories, with views of islands, seas, rocks, mountains 
\nterspersed with the humble huts of these poor islanders; — I am 
just preparing to preach to as many of them as can understand 
English in the open air. A rock my pulpit, and heaven my sound- 
ing-board ; may the echo resound to their hearts. In the evening, 
I expect to preach by a Gaelic interpreter, to the whole company 
of islanders, sentence after sentence being translated as I utter 
them. I trust I am following up the spiritual example and wishes 
of my friend C, and tliat some good will result from this visit. This 
will more than repay the delay occasioned in my journey, by this 
most interesting excursion to the Hebrides. It will somewhat 
lengthen my journey and time ; but I feel a persuasion that my own 
soul and those of others are to profit by it. Jom your prayers to 
mine, that it may be so. 



REV. LEGH RICHMOND. 253 

" Since writing the above, I have given three services, under cir- 
cumstances most interesting and novel, to tliese poor islanders of 
Icolumbkill. The last by a Gaelic interpreter, who translated every 
sentence, after I had delivered it in Enghsh, I passed near two 
hours alone, amid the ruins and graves of the cathedral. It is a 
most solemn and peaceful meditation : and here, you may tell Willy, 
I knelt down upon the graves of ancient monarchs, mouldering in 
the dust, and prayed God to ' remember him for good ;' to make him 
a holy and a- happy being, both in time and eternity. I asked of the 
Lord, that my child might share in the Christian privileges, charac- 
ter, and literature of the once renowned Christian divines of lona, 
the missionaries and theologians of a primitive period, on whose ashes 
I was treading ; I prayed that if (and only if) his heart were rightly 
directed, God would make him a minister of Christ's church on 
earth ; but that he might never enter on the sacred office, if likely 
to be a careless, carnal, unconverted servant of the sanctuary. My 
heart was full of holy freedom, as I offered up a father's petition on 
the birth-day of my child." 

The following is a letter addressed to his son, at this time, con- 
taining a most impressive appeal on the subject of the Christian 
ministry : — 

" My dear Boy 

***** 

" It is high time that you and I should communicate fre- 
quently, intimately, and conjfidentially. If this is not to be ex- 
pected by the time you have arrived at fifteen^ when is it to be 
looked for? On one account, I have more solicitude, and even 
dread, on your behalf, than for any of my children. Earnestly 
as I should wish a son of mine to be a minister, yet I tremble at 
the idea of educating and devoting a son to the sacred profession, 
without a previous satisfactory evidence that his own soul was 
right with God. Without this, you and I should be guilty of a 
most awful sin in his sight. To any, and every other good pro- 
fession, trade, or occupation, it may be lawful and expedient to fix 
with some degree of determination, long before entering upon it; 
but the ministry is an exception. Even St. Paul himself trembles 
at his responsibihty, and exclaims, 'lest, when I have preached to 
others, I myself should be a cast-away.' I consider personal reli- 
gion, accompanied and evidenced by personal conduct, to be in- 
dispensable in the individual, before either he, or another for him, 

22 



254 MEMOIRS OF THE 

fixes on the ministry for his profession. And I will not hesitate to 
say to you, that, honoured and happy as I should feel, in being 
permitted to see you a faithful preacher of righteousness, adorn- 
ing the Gospel which you would proclaim to others; — yet without 
this, I would rather a thousand times see you a mason, or in the 
humblest capacity in life. I know what the office is ; and a penitent 
sense of my own deficiencies teaches me to be fearful, and to tremble 
for those of others: how much more so in the case of my own child ? 

"The national church groans and bleeds, 'from the crown of its 
head to the sole of its feet,' through the daily intrusion of un- 
worthy men into its ministry. Patrons, parents, tutors, colleges, 
are annually pouring a torrent of incompetent youths into the 
church, and loading the nation with spiritual guilt. Hence, souls 
are neglected and ruined— bigotry and ignorance prevail — church 
pride triumphs over church godliness — and the establishment is 
despised, deserted, and wounded. Shall you and I deepen these 
wounds ? — shall we add one more unit to the numbers of the un- 
worthy and traitorous watchmen on the towers of our British 
Jerusalem? God forbid ! But to avoid so sad a departure from 
every principle of sacred order and conscience, you must become 
a humble, seriously-minded, consistent young disciple of Christ : a 
diligent student, an obedient son, a loving brother, a grateful wor- 
shipper, a simple-hearted Christian. And / must feel comfortably 
satisfied that you are so ; or with what conscience, with what hope, 
with what satisfaction, with what peace of mind, can I consent to 
devote you to the most sacred, the most important, the most res- 
ponsible of all offices within the compass of human existence ? 

" Now, I will not, and ought not to conceal from you, that, 
however accustomed we may all have been to talk of you as a 
future clergyman, I dare not decide upon any such plan without a 
much more clear evidence than I have yet seen, that your actual 
state of feelings and conduct, temper and conversation, habitual 
and permanent thoughts, are such as will justify me in coming to 
so solemn a determination on my own part. 

" I say this with anxiety, and write it with fear, as my pen pro- 
ceeds ; but I say it with earnest prayers for the real conversion of 
your soul to God, and with some hope that He will hear the peti- 
tions which I have offered up for you through many a long year. 
I still repeat it, that I never can consent to put my seal to the ques- 
tion of the ministry, unless, and until I have some satisfactory 
proof of your heart being turned to God, in holy consistency and 
permanence of character. 



REV. LEGH RICHMOND. U55 

" Let these pages be a testimony before God— and keep them as 
a sign between you and me — that I am in earnest, as to a subject 
where indifterence would be sin. 

" J have long been studying your character in the hourly events 
of each day, in immediate reference to this point. Re- 
member, ^ they that are Christ's have crucified the flesh, with its 
affections and lusts :' crucify yours. Pursue your studies with 
diligence: you may do great things for yourself, even withoul 
help — although I grant, much better with it. But ^ work while it 
is day ; the night cometh when no man can work.' 
" Believe me your affectionate father, 

"L. R.» 

May the above serious and highly appropriate remarks be deep- 
ly impressed on every youthful aspirant to the ministerial office. 
And may every parent, before he finally destines his child for so 
sacred a profession, pause, and maturely weigh the responsibility 
of the act : and, as a further stimulant to his conscience, may he 
contemplate Mr. Richmond praying for his son, amidst the graves 
and ruins of lona. 

We have already noticed the cheerful character of Mr. Rich- 
mond's piety. The kindness of his heart led him to experience an 
exquisite satisfaction in imparting pleasure. It seemed to be his 
constant aim " to instruct by pleasing ;" and he entered into every 
innocent feelmg of children, and readily shared their recreations. 
The school at lona particularly interested him ; and he soon gain- 
ed on the children's affections, who listened to his instructions 
with confiding simplicity. Before he quitted lona, he rewarded 
their diligent attendance with a public entertainment. The best 
sheep to be found in the island was purchased for the sum of six 
shillings. But a difficulty arose on the occasion — there was fuel 
to roast it, but the whole domain could not supply the necessary 
apparatus for its dissection. The children assembled on shore, and 
picked up shells, to answer the purpose of knives and forks. 

How interesting a scene ! Two hundred children and tlieir pa- 
rents, assembled on the sea-shore— every countenance beaming 
with delight ! The hearts of the guests might be full of joy, in the 
novelty of the amusement, and in the hospitality of their bene- 
factor ; but the master of the feast., amidst tlie wreck of great- 
ness, the tombs of the mighty dead, and the anticipation of the 
revival of former piety among these remote islanders, would taste 
the higher luxury of doing good. 



2b6 MEMOIRS OF THE 

At tl.e conclusioa of the f.'stivity, all sung the following hyron, 
which Mr. Richmoml, in the glow of his benevolent feelings, had 
instantaneously cornposed, and which was interpreted by the school- 
master. The precipitation with which tliese lines were composed, 
must disarm tlie severity of criticism : — 



"Thou GoJ of all grace ! O omnipotent Lord, 

Fill our hearts with the power of thy soul-saving word 

Have mercy, Jehovah ! and be it thy will 

To save the poi>r children oflcolunibkill ! 

•'Thy spirit came once on the wings of a ' dove/ 
And proved to our fathers how great was thy love: 
Have mercy again, Lord ! and be it thy will, 
To save the poor children of Icolumbkill I 

"When idolatrous Druids polluted the land . 
To banish them hence, thou didst stretch forth thy hand: 
Thou art still the same Lord ; and oh I be it thy will 
To save the poor children of Icolumbkill ! 

"On thee all our hope in our poverty stays — 
Revive, Lord, thy work, in the midst of the days: 
We will trust thee, O Lord ! then be it thy will 
To save the poor children of Icolumbkill ! 

"Though remote be our dwelling, and humble our lot, 
Yet our God has a blessing for each little cot. 
Have mercy, dear Saviour ! and be it thy will 
To save the poor children of Icolumbkill. 

"May our hearts feel the power of the blood that was shed, 
When Christ on the cross for our sins 'bowed his head :' 
May that blood be our trust ; and oh ! be it thy will 
To save the poor children of Icolumbkill ! 

" Bless our parents and teachers ; and make it their joy 
In seeking our welfare their lime to employ ; 
Oh ! bless their instructions ; and be it thy will 
To save the poor children of Icolumbkill ! 

"Now hear our petition, O God of the Isles 
That we all may partake of thy heavenly smiles; 
In life and in death be thou merciful still, 
And save the poor children of Icolumbkill ! 

" And at the last day, when our bodies shall rise, 
To behold the great Saviour and Judge in the skies — 
Then let it be known 'twas thy pleasure and will 
To save the poor children of Icolumbkill." 



Mr. Richmond, during his visit to lona, frequently preached in 
the school-house. On one of these occasions, he adverted to the 
Jewish mission. The hum of the children was heard, " We will 
give, we will give !" Some persons present attempted to check 



REV. LEGH RJCHiMOND. 257 

their zeal, and keep silence, but all voices were raised in reply — 
" The bairns will have it— the bairns will have it !" meaning, the 
children would make a collection : and they presented to him the 
sum of 21. Os. 9c^.* If not all their living, yet a magnificent offer- 
ing to him whose grace had touched their hearts and inspired their 
zeal. Of these poor islanders it might be truly said, " Their deep 
poverty abounded unto the riches of their liberality." 

The impression made on the people of lona by Mr. Richmond's 
visit, appears from the following anecdote. He had hired a boat and 
two sailors to take him to FingaPs cave, a place of great curiosity, 
and of which he never spoke without the deepest emotion. On his 
return, he asked the boatmen what he had to pay them. But they 
refused to accept any remuneration ; and though he urged them to 
name their charge, they firmly persisted in their resolution; look- 
ing at him v/ith tears in their eyes, and exclaiming, " No, no, no, 
sir. Love has brought you to lona, and love shall find you a 
boat." 

Mr. Richmond, before he quitted this interesting scene of his la- 
bours, addressed the children ; about 200 of whom were present. 
The master desired that as many as wished to thank their benefac- 
tor for his kindness to them, would lift up their hands. All raised 
their hands above their heads. " Is this from you hearts ?" said 
the master. Instantly one hand was laid on their hearts, the other 
remaining up ; " and in this posture," says Mr. Richmond, in his 
journal, "the dear children stood while I gave them a parting 
blessing. It was a most touching sight." 

He left lona amidst the tears of its population, nearly the whole 
of whom attended him to the sea-shore, with the most lively de- 
monstrations of gratitude and love. 

" Farewell," he observes, " dear, interesting lona. May I think 
much and profitably on my visit, and on what I saw and enjoyed 
there." 

Before he quitted the island, he had formed a plan for raising, by 
subscription, the means of building a new school-house, and provi- 
ding a permanent salary for the master. 

With a view to prepare his Scotch friends for the design, he 
wrote to his daughter Mary, whom he left at Edinburgh. 

* This seems a large sum for lona, ])Lit we have the authority of Mr. Rich- 
mond's journal- for the fact; where it is also stated, tliat he repeatedly de- 
clined accepting the boon, but the islanders forced it upon him, as a testimo- 
ny of their regard to him and to his cause. 

22* 



258 MEMOIRS OF THE 

" My dear Mary, 

*' Nothing ever equalled Staffa in one point of view, or lona in 
another; no words of mine will ever reach or approach what I 
should wish to say ; but I thank God for what I have seen. 

'' Tell our good friends, that my anxiety to promote the welfare 
of the poor islanders of lona has led me to undertake the raising a 
subscription to build a school-room ; which, with the aid of the 
schoolmaster, of most true and godly simplicity, will be of essen- 
tial benefit to the place. About 90Z. will be wanted, and I sincerely 
hope to succeed in raising it. I have spent three days and a Sab- 
bath among them. I preached thrice there; the opportunity was 
deliglitful, and affecting in tlic highest degree. Pray use your in- 
fluence to prepare the way before I come. The money will be ad- 
mirably laid out for the good of the island. I have pledged my- 
self for the attempt, and trust God will prosper it. I hope my pe- 
tition will prevail with those who wish well to the poor islanders. 
The prayers, tears, and blessings of the dear people followed us to 
tlie shore, as I departed. It was a time much to be remembered." 

On Mr. Richmond's return to Edinburgh, he made the following 
appeal to the Scotch public : — 

•' loNA. — A friend to the religious education and improvement of 
the inhabitants of the western islands of Scotland, has recently vi- 
sited the interesting island of lona (or Icolumbkill.) The island 
is an appendage to a parish in the adjacent isle of Mull. Divine 
service is performed in lona by the minister, four times a year. 
There is a school in lona, under the charge of a pious master, who re- 
ceives a salary from the Society for promoting Christian Know- 
ledge in the Highlands and Islands of Scotland. This schoolmaster 
reads a sermon to several of the inhabitants every sabbath day; but 
the house appropriated to the purpose of the school is in so ruin- 
ous a state, and so very unsuitable to the design, in regard to size, 
light, and general convenience, that neither the education of the 
children, nor the instruction of the adults, can be carried on with 
advantage. The inhabitants of this remote island are four hundred 
and fifty in number. In the hope of promoting their religious and 
moral welfare, it is proposed to raise a subscription for the building 
of a very plain but commodious school-room, for the instruction of 
the islanders. The tenants and cotters are too poor to raise a sub- 
scription amongst themselves, although they are very desirous that 
such a house should be built, and will assist in the carting and car- 
rying of the materials to the place. ' Gold and silver they have 



REV. LEGH RICHMOND. 2S& 

none ; but such as they have, they will give to the cause.' The 
schoolmaster is much esteemed amongst them, and has been the 
instrument of considerable usefulness to the inhabitants ; and there 
is every reason to believe that the accommodation thus proposed 
will, if carried into execution, greatly increase it. The requisite 
steps will be taken to ensure the permanent appropriation of the 
building to the purpose for which the subscription is raised. It is 
estimated that 90Z. will be adequate to the accomplishment of the 
plan. 

" It may be a subject of affecting consideration, that this humble 
school-house will be erected *in the very midst of the venerable 
ruins of many religious and literary establishments ; from which, 
in the earlier periods of Scottish history, piety and learning were 
diffused through a large portion of Europe, as well as in the Bri- 
tish islands ; and they still remain as memorials of the apostolical 
labours of Columba, his associates and successors. There, like- 
wise, mingled with the graves of the poor islanders, lie the re- 
mains of numerous kings of Scotland, Ireland, and Norway — of 
the lords of the isles, and of innumerable chieftains, who were 
long since buried in this oiice chosen cemetery of royalty and an- 
cietnt grandeur. 

*' The associations arising from a comparison between the for- 
mer and present condition of this little island, may perhaps be al- 
lowed to plead an additional argument for this attempt to amelio- 
rate the situation of its present and future inhabitants, by affording 
increased facilities and encouragements for their education and in- 
struction. 

^ " Amongst the various appeals which are now making to the 
Christian public, in behalf of the Highlands and islands of Scot- 
land, it is hoped that the present may be allowed to rank as not 
the least interesting. 

" Subscriptions, and names of subscribers, will be received by 
Robert Hepburne, Esq., Edinburgh ; who has kindly undertaken to 
act as treasurer. The Rev. Legh Richmond has also engaged to 
conduct the correspondence, and the arrangements requisite for the 
accomplishment of the building." 

At this time he wrote the following letter to his daughter 
Fanny :— 

" Since I wrote my last, I have abundantly succeeded in Staffa 
and lona. No words can express the astonishing subHmity, beau- 
ty, grandeur, and unique character of the former ; or the deep and 



^00 MEMOIRS OF THE 

affecting interest excited by the ruins and associations of the latter 
island. I slept four nights therein, in a little hut, such as you 
never saw, amid tlie venerable ruins of all the great literary and 
rehgious establishments of ancient days, when lona was the foun- 
tain of learning and piety to all Europe. I preached there thrice 
on Sunday se'nnight, to such a groupe of poor islanders, in such a 
poor place, as you cannot easily conceive ; and between the ser- 
vices, I went and locked myself up, for affecting meditation, amidst 
the ruins of tlie once grand cathedral of St. Columba; and walked 
upon the graves of numberless kings of Scotland, Ireland, and Nor- 
way — lords of the isles, chieftains of all the clans, bishops, priors, 
abbesses, nuns, and friars — who lie here in wild confusion, min- 
gled with the poor forefathers of the present islanders. By day, 
the sun shone— and by night, a lovely moon illuminated the splen- 
did panorama of ocean, eighteen islands, innumerable mountains, 
ranges of vast rocks, ruins, peasants' huts, ships, boats, and a 
countless groupe of other interesting objects. As but a small part 
of these poor lonians can understand English, I preached to them 
by an interpreter, sentence by sentence ; a pious schoolmaster, 
who is a blessing to the island, translating all I said. Never did 
I see such a sight, nor feel such a feeling before. I am trying to 
raise a subscription, to build these poor islanders a school-room : it 
will indeed be a work of charity. When I first beheld the cave of 
Fingal, in Staffa, I knew not whether to close my lips in mute as- 
tonishment, or to fall down and pray to the true God of such a 
temple. I wanted new faculties for such a new demonstration of 
almighty power. As I went thither, the sea was rolling immense 
waves; and we Avent up and down into watery hills and valleys: 
but a calm succeeded as we arrived at Staffa." 

Letter to Mr. Higgins, of Turvey Abbey, on the same subject : — 
" I have enjoyed a fine view of the Highlands, and several of 
the islands of Scotland. No prints or drawings can give more 
than a very feeble idea of Staffa. It exceeded all my expectations, 
which were wrought very high. It is grand, beautiful, singular, 
efficient in the highest degree; but often difficult to reach. With 
lona I was deeply interested, in quite a different way— in relation 
to its ruins and past history, its present moral and religious neces- 
sities, and, I hope, its approaching improvement. I hope to build 
them a school : I have raised a subscription for the purpose. Fine- 
ly as the Lowlands and some parts of the Highlands are circum- 
stanced, in regard to education, other parts need much to be done, 



REV. LEGH RICHMOND. 261 

and especially the islands, which have been neglected; but an ac- 
tive spirit is beginning to arise for their amelioration. 

" The scenery of the islands and western shores of Scotland, 
is very superb and interesting : I met with a great deal more fine 
ivy upon the castle ruins, in various places, than I think fell to 
your lot. The scene along the Caledonian canal, from the island 
of Zismore to Inverness, is of the very first class. Ben Nevis, ri- 
sing directly 4370 feet from the sea at its foot, is a noble hill ; and 
the fall of Foyers. 200 feet perpendicular, on Loch Ness, is a com- 
plete specimen of the grand and beautiful, as a cascade. 

" My daughter Mary has found so many valuable friends in 
Scotland, that she is persuaded to pass the winter with them ; and 
is enjoying a retreat in a beautiful spot on the banks of the Clyde, 
with a clergyman and his lady, (a sister of Lord B.) who combine 
the truly Christian character with every other good and ornamen- 
tal qualification. I have consented to this visit. 

"I have had much business, both of a private and public na- 
ture, on my hands during my absence ; but, on the whole, have 
been very well. Travelling contributes much to my general health 
and strength. 

" Present my kind and pastoral regards to Mrs. H. and your 
family; and every good wish for their temporal, spiritual, and 
eternal welfare." 

About this time, Mr. Richmond opened a communication with 
the Duke of Argyle, the owner of the island of lona, after he had 
raised 70?. amongst his friends. Th3 Duke, it appears, chose to 
erect the proposed building at his own expense. 

The following extracts from a letter written to the editor by Mr. 
Pitcairn, contain all the information on this subject which we have 
been able to collect. 

"Much of my correspondence with Mr. Richmond was respect- 
ing a fund which he had collected for erecting a new school-room 
at lona. This was afterwards rendered unnecessary, as the Duke 
of Argyle built the house entirely at his own expense. Mr. Rich- 
mond contemplated the appropriation of the money raised for 
lona, to a nobler purpose than that of a building. He died, how- 
ever, before a plan was adjusted. Mr. Ilepburne is the treasurer, 
and I am secretary to this fund. We are now making arrange- 
ments with the society in Scotland for propagathig Christian 
Knowledge, and with whom the money is to be vested in trust; 



2« MEMOIRS OF THE 

and the interest applied annually for the moral and religious 
benefit to lona. We are tlius endeavouring to carry into effect 
Mr. Richmond's benevolent design." 

It is with unfeigned satisfaction thiit we hail the dawn of lona's 
recovery of her ancient privileges ; but we trust the effort will not 
rest here. When we contemplate this once celebrated isle, tlie 
ancient seat of piety and civilization, formerly actively engaged 
in dispensing to others the blessings by which it was so highly 
distinguislied ; and when we contrast these privileges with its 
present state of religious destitution ; we confess, that we are un- 
able to repress the emotions awakened by such a recollection. 
Shall a population of 450 immortal beings be left destitute of the 
means of grace, and of the appointment of a regular ministry? 
Shall "she who was great among the nations, and princess among 
tlie provinces, sit solitary and become as a widow ?" We call on 
the sons of Caledonia to fulfil a solemn act of duty— we would re- 
mind them of their obligations to this illustrious isle, and would 
point to the broken fragments of its temples, which seem to say, 
" why repair ye not the breaches of the Lord's house ?" We are 
disposed to believe, if an appeal at this time were made to the 
Christian public, both in Scotland and England, that it would not 
be rejected. To Mr. Richmond's visit, lona owes her school-house. 
We cannot refrain from indulging the pious wish, that to his Me- 
moir she might be indebted for a still higher blessing, the establish- 
ment of a regular ministry ! 

We must not extend the detail of these tours beyond the present 
limits : other subjects demand attention. Mr. Richmond's journal 
abounds with the most grateful recollections and honourable men- 
tion of his friends in Scotland. Indeed, it were impossible that 
such a heart should not feel deeply the kind hospitality every 
where sliown him, and the generous manner in which the Eng- 
lish missions were encouraged and supported. Though delicacy 
forbids us to publish these warm expressions of his gratitude and 
love, and restrains us from specifying the objects of his praise, we 
cannot retrace our steps homewards without making one remark. 
In the record of those journeys there appears a uniform acknow- 
ledgment of the liberality and urbanity of his brethren in Scot- 
land, without even one solitary exception to occasion regret. 

This "unity of spirit in the bond of peace," is highly credita- 
ble to the Episcopalian and his brethren of the Presbytery. The 
editor would throw himself upon the candour of the reader for 



REV LEGH RICHMOND. 263 

dwelling so much and so frequently, in the course of the Memoir, 
on the subject of Christian charity. But the schisms of the church 
of God are very painful to his mind, and the subject of his daily 
prayer. He knows no greater joy than to perceive the family of 
his Lord and Saviour, however scattered in distant lands, and 
somewhat separated by the warpings of education and habits, or 
by the infirmities of a fallen nature, cherishing •' the same love, 
being of one accord, of one mind," " doing nothing through strife 
or vain glory, but in lowliness of mind esteeming each other 
better than themselves."* 

Legh Richmond's correspondents were numerous. It is truly 
wonderful that he could find time for a few lines to each of them. 
When absent from home, he not only wrote to his wife and to every 
one of his children; but to the tutor of his boys; to the curate 
who supplied his church ; and to his parishioners. We have not 
room for many specimens. The following are no discredit to his 
memory. 

" My dear Friend, t " Lutterworth, Nov. 13, 1822. 

" I throw myself on your Christian feelings of charity once 
more. I have done wrong in what I have written ; I pray you to 
forgive me. My real, true, and only excuse is, that my anxious 
feelings for the parish, and my high approbation of your character 
and conduct amongst the people, made me underrate your objec- 
tions; I did not think them of sufficient weight, and I was sincere- 
/ly and honestly fearful that you had some other reason, in which I 
was personally implicated, and which your delicacy did not like to 
name. I now believe otherwise, and I hope you will receive my 
acknowledgment of my error in the same spirit wherein it is offer- 

* Legh Richmond, in this respect, exhibited throughout his life a decided 
pre-eminence. He seemed to carry along- with him an atmosphere of his own ; 
and, in his society, peculiarities for the most part yielded to the softening in- 
fluence of true affection. The editor remembers a pleasing anecdote, which 
strikingly exemplifies his friend's happy manner of meeting the asperities of 
very rugged natures. He was once conversing with a brother clergyman, on 
the case of a poor man who had acted inconsistently with his religious profes- 
sion. After some angry and severe remarks, the gentleman with whom he was 
discussing the subject, concluded by saying " I have no notion of such con- 
duct — I will have nothing to do with liim." " Nay, brother," observed Mr. 
Richmond, " let us be more charitable in our judgment ; for \cith upport unity 
on the one hand, and Satan at the other, and the grace of Qod at neither^ 
where should you and I be?" 

t The Rev. Mr. R , at that time his curate. 



264 MEMOIRS OF THE 

ed to you. Do not let it influence you in any part of your feel- 
ings or conduct towards mo. You little know the heart \vith which 
you have to do, if you think that, except luider an erroneous im- 
pression, I could wound any one, much less a friend and brother 
and one whom I so cordially esteem and love. I fancied that it 
was your nerves, and not yourself, that shrank from the path in 
which I hoped Providence had placed you; and therefore I wrote 
as I did. Once more, forgive me. My wife can tell you how 
much I suffered in my mind before you arrived. I looked to your 
coming as a great comfort— I found it so. Every tiling went on 
well; I thought that after a year's trial and acquaintance with the 
people, you would be tho very man to succeed in my absence. I 
built upon this hope, and imagined that I could remove the diflicul- 
ties which, on a sliort and cursory view, affected your mind. I tried 
to do so— I failed ; — the fabric of my hope seemed to totter — my 
spirits sank:— I fancied there was more of fancy than argument in 
your reasons for going. These considerations disappointed me, and 
excited my solicitude. I was crossed in all my hopes and plans 
for the next year. Even the parental desire to visit my daughter in 
Scotland, by leaving a tried and accepted friend at home, seemed 
to be blighted. Put all these things together, and I think you will 
the more readily throw a mantle of charitable forgiveness over the 
faults and mistakes of your friend. On the receipt of this, which 
I send open as a part of my letter to Mrs. R., talk to her freoly 
about it ; and may every uneasy feeling, either in your or hers, or 
my own mind, be done away. So far as concerns my correspon- 
dence, this letter contains my heart and mind; cancel every other. 

"I trust that you are sparing yourself, agreeably to my request, 
in regard to any of the meetings, which have pressed on your 
strength and spirits. Shorten the evening chancel lectures; take 
care of yourself, yet be at ease in so doing. An unexpected, but 
important proposition has been made to me relative to some ser- 
mons for next Sunday, and which may possibly prevent my return 
before. It is yet unsettled, and waits the arrival of a letter to-mor- 
row ; but I will mention the result as soon as I know it myself. 

"Accept, for myself, the most sincere assurance of my high and 
unfeigned esteem for you and your ministry ; my cordial prayers 
for your welfare, both in mind, and body, and estate; my anxious 
reerret that our connexion must not be of a more lasting continu- 
ance ; and my belief lliat you have entertained a real and unmixed 
regard and respect for your unworthy friend. I can add no more 
than prr\^-p^s f.r your happiness, and ahopp tliat yom*next partner 



REV. LEGH RICHMOND. 265 

in the ministry may as highly appreciate your services, and give 
you as fully his heart, as does 

" Your affectionate friend and brother, 

"Legh Richmond." 

** My dear Friend,* 

" Had I not frequently heard of you, and of the satisfactory 
manner in which 5^ou and the boys were going on, from my daugh- 
ters, I should have written to you before, a letter of inquiry and 
friendship. Accept a few lines now, however, for the sake of both. 
I can assure you that no object lies nearer to my heart than the 
welfare of my sons, in whom the treasury of my affections and 
conscientious desires is greatly bound up. I often, very often, look 
with trembling regard on the future, as it concerns them; and were 
there not a throne of grace for them and for me, I know not how I 
should bear up under many a drooping feeling. You now see and 
know them, and I am persuaded, feel an interest in all that respects 
them. Tell me a little of the progress and general conduct of 
each, and be assured of the confidence which I repose in your con- 
scientious assiduity and friendly affection towards them and us. 
YoU; my friend, know the value of an immortal soul, and can unite 
its prosperity with every other consideration ; you feel it for your- 
self, and can feel it for others. You know something of the nares 
and vices of the world by which we are surrounded, and can enter 
intf^ the temptations by which youths are constantly endangered ; 
you are not ignorant of the inward plague of the natural heart, 
and of the need there is for prayer and watchfulness, to preserve 
it from manifesting its evils in a thousand ways. I can, therefore, 
and I do, fee] a peculiar satisfaction in contemplating your office as 
connected with your principles. The time is now at hand, when 
I trust, in the bosom of my family and parish, to cultivate more in- 
timacy and friendship with you than circumstances have recently 
permitted ; and to share with you the anxious task of rearing up 
young minds for heaven. I have had much interesting matter for 
contemplation during this journey, on the beauties of nature as well 
as of grace.' I have taken a wide range of scenery in Scotland, in 
the Hebrides, and the North-east coast of Ireland ; it is no easy 
task to detail or describe such objects, with all their combinations 
and effects ; but they leave a valuable impression on the mind tliat 
»eeks God in the midst of them. It is delightful to worship him 

♦ The Rev. Mr. G d. 

23 



266 MEMOIRS OF THE 

in the temple of creation, and to catch from psalmists and prophets 
the happy art of elucidating his works of redeeming love, by illus- 
trations and arguments drawn from his wonders and beauties in 
tlie natural world. I will, hereafter, try to tell you something of 
tliose things, and to brighten the gloom of our winter horizon by 
some of my Northern lights. I have also seen some very lovely 
instances of the power of divine grace on the hearts of individuals 
and people. It is a very delightful consideration, that the same God 
and the same Redeemer reigns every where, and produces the same 
elfects in heart and life. What reason have we to mourn over our 
slow growth under so many advantages! 

Be pleased to give my kind love to Mr. Renton, and tell him 
that I received his letter subsequently to mine leaving this. Isliall 
be happy if he can, even for two or three days, give me the comfort 
of his society beyond the 12th of August. Can you tell me where 
he is going ? He forgot, in his letter, to mention the name of the 
place and clergyman whose church he is to serve. Give my love 
to the boys ; accept of mine and Mrs. Richmond's assurances oi 
esteem and regard ; and believe me, 

" Faithfully, yours, 

" Legh Richmond." 

Pastoral letter addressed to his parishioners at Turvey. 

" My dear Friends, Glasgow, Sept. 3, 1820. 

" Although distance may for a season produce silence, it can- 
not cause forgetfulness in my heart. As it concerns you, I can 
truly say that your spiritual welfare and temporal comfort form 
the subject of prayers constantly offered up at the throne of grace. 
It has pleased the Lord to bring us safe to our dear child, whom 
we found better than we could have expected, considering the ill- 
ness and sufferings through which she has been carried. Great 
joy attended our meeting, and the affections of nature and grace 
were called into no small exercise. I desire to praise Him for the 
past, and trust Him for the future. Many of you have had abound- 
ing proofs of God's mercy and goodness in the hour of need, and 
have been brought 'through fire and through water into a wealthy 
place.' May the recollections of such benefits keep you humble, 
make you thankful, and render you meet for the inheritance of 
the saints in light ! As we journeyed hither, we saw many lovely 
scenes amongst the mountains, lakes, rivers, and waterfalls of na- 
ture ; and they reminded us of the far greater beauties of holiness 



REV. LEGH RICHMOND. 267 

in Him who made them all, and gives us many a Gospel lesson 
in the works of creation. We are now in a vast city, containing 
above 150,000 inhabitants. Much grace prevails here ; and also, 
in such a multitude, much evil. What need we have to pray for 
the universal reign of Christian principles in all hearts ; for the 
day when Glasgow and London and Turvey may present nothing 
but a population of the true followers of the Lord Jesus. When 
and how shall this come to pass ? Times and seasons are in the 
Lord's hand, but the means of grace are put into ours. And I 
know of no means so immediately likely to promote the great 
event of general conversion, as the lively, steadfast, and exemplary 
conduct of Chrstian professors. I would wish to impress this 
strongly upon everyone of your minds: you are answerable to 
God for the conduct of every hour, not only as it may affect your 
own individual state, but as it may, and must respect your families, 
your neighbours, and the church of God. The increase and pros- 
perity of young converts, is closely connected with the manner in 
which older professors of religion so let their light shine before 
them, that they, seeing their good works, may glorify their Father 
which is in heaven. Be a united people ; give no place to unkind 
suspicions, or jealousies, or words. Remember the golden rule, 
* even so do ye unto others, as ye would that they should do unto 
you.' Keep your eye and your heart steadily fixed upon the cross 
of the Lord Jesus Christ. Walk happily, by walking wisely and 
liolily. Maintain family prayer and instruction in your house- 
holds, whenever it is practicable ; and where it is not, be more 
earnest in secret prayer for the removal of all hindrances. Keep 
together as a people : encourage no divisions which break the peace 
of the church, and injure weak souls by many false delusions. A 
good Christian is a steady one. You that are in trouble, cast your 
cares upon the Lord, knowing that he careth for you. If God be 
with you, who can be against you ? Think over past mercies, and 
see on whom you ought to trust. Do not dishonour Him by un- 
believing doubts. He is faithful that has promised. May God 
answer my prayer for unity, peace, and concord. Hearken to the 
word of truth, from the lips of my faithful fellow-labourer: 
strengthen his hands, and encourage his heart. Pray much for me ; 
I need it, for my labours are many, and I am weak ; but tlio Lord 
is my strength. God bless every one of you ; and may we, if God 
will, meet again in love and holy resolution. 

"So prays your affectionate pastor, 

" Leoh Richmond." 



208 MEMOIRS OF THE 

It was during one of Mr. Richmond's excursions to Scotland, 
that he arranged for publication the very interesting diary and 
"Letter on the Principles of the Christian Faith," composed by 
Miss Sinclair, eldest daughter of the Right Hon. Sir John Sinclair, 
Bart., who died on the 22d May, 1818. There are few of our 
readers, we presume, who have not read the above production, ad- 
dressed by Miss Sinclair to one of her younger sisters, without any 
intention of its meeting the public eye, or aiming at any thing be- 
yond the private edification of her sister. It contains a very clear, 
scriptural, and able exposition of the principles of the Christian 
faith, accompanied by remarks which sliowed the influence of those 
principles in her own heart. At the request of the family, a me- 
moir of Miss Sinclair was prefixed to the publication, by Mr. Rich- 
mond. It is foreign to our purpose to enter into any review of this 
interesiing little work, which details the early growth and progress 
of divine grace in the heart of this young lady, who appears to have 
united the attainments of genuine piety with the endowments of 
the most cultivated mind. We have much pleasure in subjoining 
the following testimony, as one of the many instances of useful- 
ness arising from the perusal of this little memoir : — 

" Rev. Sir, 

" Being informed that you are writing the life of Mr. Rich- 
mond, I beg, through the medium of my much esteemed friend 
Mr. F., to inform you, how greatly I am indebted to the memoir of 
Miss Han nail Sinclair. I trust it is from no ostentatious wish to 
see my name in print, that I allude to the blessed change in my 
views and principles. Yet I do wish to give publicity to the little 
volume by which my mind was first drawn to the true principles 
of the word of God, and my heart rightly impressed by them. 1 
would pay a tribute of respect to the memory of one who must be 
ever dear to my recollection, for benefits received from that 
excellent letter of Hannah Sinclair ; and I anxiously desire that 
her valuable memoir by Mr. Richmond, may be read with the same 
delight and benefit which accompanied my perusal of it. 

•' I am, &c. 

' H. Phipps.' 



REV. LEGH RICHMOND. 269 



CHAPTER XV. 

Death of his infant — Marriaqe of his eldest daughter — Visit to the North of Ireland --^ 
Texts on the walls of his church—Extract of a letter to his daughter F—. — Isle of Wight 
tour— Pastoral letter — Journal — His son Wilherforce'' s illness and death — Rpfections 
— Marriage of his daughter H— . — NugenCs shipwreck^ and death — Letters — Apo- 
cryphal question — Mr. Richmond'' s opinion on the mode of preaching to the Jews — Hi" 
sentiments another subjects — Journey to Cromer — Conversation with the editor — JVi 
ditation in his study. 

In the spring of 1821, Mr. Richmond lost his infant child. He 
gives tlie account of this event in a letter to his daughter ; and he 
composed a few verses, to soothe the feelings of the mother, as well 
as to express his own. 

" Dear Mary, 

^' Our dear delicate baby has taken his flight to a happier world ! 
I write beside his unspeakably beautiful remains. Of all my twelve 
babes, I never clung to one like this — perhaps, because I never ex- 
pected his life. He was formed for a higher state than this, and is ta- 
ken away from the evil to come. He had an inflammation on the 
chest for a few days. He died in my arms— lovelier than the loveliest, 
calmer than the calmest. His previously languid eye suddenly 
illumined into heavenly brightness and vigour ; it looked at me with 
full intelligence — seemed to say, ' Farewell ! I am going to Jesus ! ' — 
and he was gone." 

HYMN FOR AN INFANT'S FUNERAL. 

Hark ! how the angels, as they fly, 
Sing through the regions of the sky ; 
Bearing an infant in their arms, 
Securely freed from sin's alarms :— 

" Welcome, dear babe, to Jesu's breast — 
For ever there in joy to rest : 
Welcome to Jesu's courts above, 
To smg thy great Redeemer's love ! 

" We left the heavens, and flew to earth, 
To watch thee at thy mortal birth ; 
Obedient to thy Saviour's will. 
We stayed to love and guard thee still. 

" We thy protecting angels came, 
To see thee blessed in Jesu's name 
When the baptismal seal wa.s given, 
To mark thee, child, an heir of heaven. 

23* 



270 MEMOIRS OF THE 

" When the reaisiless call of death 
Bade ihee resign thy infant breath — 
When parents wept, and thou didst smile, 
We were thy guardians all the while. 

" Now, with the lightning's speed, we bear 
The child committed to our care ; 
With anthems such as angels sing, 
We fly to bear thee to our King." 

Thus sweetly borne, he flies to rest : 
We know 'tis well — nay more, 'tis best. 
When we our i)ilgrimp' path have trod, 
Oh ! may we find him with our God ! 

We have already noticed that Mr. Richmond, in his tour to Scot- 
land, left his eldest daughter to the care of Dr. and Mrs. S., who 
resided near Glasgow. It was there that an attachment was formed 
between Miss Richmond and a clergyman of the Established 
Church of Scotland, whose profession and character rendered the 
connexion a source of peculiar gratification. He alludes to this 
circumstance in the following letter to one of his daughters :— 

" My dear Love, 

" Was not this the day on which you were born ? Why, then, I 
must now wish you many happy returns of it. But will they be 
happy, if you be not holy? How I long to see my dear F. still 
more decided — jnore spiritual — more given to holy thoughts, words, 
and works. Let not your mind be draw^n aside by any thing that 
will steal your heart from God. Make no idols of books that 3arry 
away the imagination. I will give you a rule to judge whether an 
author is profitable in the perusal — Go directly from your book, 
and open your Bible ; and, without partiality or hypocrisy, say 
which you embrace with the most delight. The answer will always 
show the state of your mind, and the profitableness and lawfulness 
of the book. 

" Become more serious. I am much pleased with the conscien- 
tious principles and beliaviour of Mary and Mr M., in their inter- 
course. He is a true Christian, and most affectionately attached to 
her. His views of faith and practice exactly accord with my own ; 
he is too good a man to be light and trifling on such a solemn sub 
ject as a nuptial engagement. Mary's mind is sacredly and stead- 
fastly made up, to love, honour, and obey him, as the partner of 
her heart, and the choice of her conscience. Oh ! pray for the 
dear girl, and treat the question witli sacred cheerfulness. My vi- 
sit to Glasgow was blessed to tlie cultivation of pure regard and 



REV. LEGH RICHMOND. 271 

esteem with all the M — s. I can resign her, with full hope and 

confidence, into God's hands. Do you the same ; and when we re- 
turn home, seek more opportunities of useful conversation. At- 
tend, in the course of every day and hour, to the growth of your 
best and most ennobling principles of action. Much, very much 
time, which might be employed in an increasing meetness for the 
inheritance of the saints in light, is, I fear, lost. These things 
ought not so to be, my dear child. Time is short, eternity is at 
hand. It is a hard thing to be saved at all ; and every lost hour, 
every idle word, every neglected opportunity, makes it more hard. 
It is a strait gate and narrow way to heaven, and (comparatively) 
few there be that find it. 

"Never be without a book, in daily reading, of a direct spirit- 
ual and devotional tendency ; one that will make the vanities of 
time and sense appear unworthy of your notice. Always main- 
tain with some one, if possible, a truly religious correspondence, 
calculated to bring Christ to the soul. Keep in hourly recollection 
that you are a great sinner, unworthy of all the comforts and en- 
joyments which you possess ; and that without a Saviour inwardly 
known, all is as nothing. Examine for the proofs of a converted 
mind, in the grand act of faith on Jesus Christ. I cannot recom- 
mend you a more lively example than Mrs. Isabella Graham, the 
admirable aunt of Mr, M. Learn to love true religion in others, 
whoever they may be. Shun party prejudice, as the bane of cha- 
rity and the curse of the church. God's love is not limited to us, 
and our division of the church of Christ; why then ought ours? 
Far be it from us to feel alienation from any whom He is leading 
heavenwards. 

" Pray think of the general tenour of this letter, for my sake, and 
for your own sake. I have much spiritual uneasiness about all my 
children, and most anxiously wish to see them grow in grace. 
Without this, all is dead. I want to see them useful to others 
around them, and patterns to one another, and comforts to me in all 
things." 

The union took place at Turvey, in the spring of 1822 ; and the 
writer of this Memoir had the pleasure of officiating on the occasion. 
On the day of Miss Richmond's. marriage, her father addressed to 
her the following interesting letter : — 

" I this day consign you, my beloved daughter, into the hands of 
one whom I believe to be a man of God, and who will watch over 



272 MEMOIRS OF THE 

} our eternal as well as your temporal interests. I trust that your 
union is formed in the simplicity of faith, hope, and love. Give 
yourself up, first to God, and then to your h\:sband, for Christ's 
sake. Pray for grace to conduct yourself aright, in the new sta- 
tionLS of wife and mistress. Never depend for a single moment, oii 
t!ie strength of your own feeble nature. Live constantly by faith 
un the Son of God ; relying on him for the graces of domestic life, 
as well as those of a more general character. Endeavour in all 
things to please God, and you will be sure to please all whom you 
ought to please. 

" Expect the trials and crosses incident to the earthly pilgrimage ; 
but expect also by the mercies and merits of Jesus Christ, to be ena- 
bled to pass through them Avitli safety and peace. 

" Love, honour, and obey your husband, for the Lord's sake. Do 
it upon deep conscientious principles, as in tlie constant sight of 
God. Think much on the love of Christ to poor sinners ; and live 
upon this love, as food and medicine to your own soul. 

" Be cheerful without levity ; be grave without moroseness ; be 
devout without affectation ; be firm without obstinacy ; be diligent 
in business, fervent in spirit, serving the Lord in all things. 

•'Although you leave your father's house, I know }ou will not 
leave its principles, any more than its love. Though separated, 
we shall be closely united — though out of sight, yet never out of 
mind : you will think of us, and we of you, with affections tender, 
rational, and abiding. We shall often meet at the throne of grace, 
and welcome each other, and be welcome there ; we shall often 
meet in the correspondences of heart and pen. We shall, if God 
permit, someiimes meet in sweet personal intercourse again ; we 
shall often meet in the affectionate reveries of imagination. And 
oh ! may we at last meet to part no more, in the house not made 
with hands, eternal in the heavens. 

*' Study your own and your husband's dispositions, that you may 
cultivate true conjugal peace and love. Ever be ready to open your 
heart to him on things spiritual as well as temporal. Disappoin* 
liim not herein, for he will watch over your soul, as one that must 
give account. A minister's public labours are intimately connected 
with his private and domestic consolations. A minister's wife may 
be a main-spring of encouragement or discouragement to hei 
husband, in all his arduous and anxious occupations for the good 
of his flock. On her example and demeanour very much may often 
depend. Keep this always in mind, and look up to Christ for gra 
rious help. Feel with, and for your husband, in all his parochial 



REV. LEGH RICHMOND. 273 

and congregational interests, as well as in those which are simply- 
domestic — they ought to be inseparable. Cultivate a deep and 
personal piety. Imitate the holy women of old, and let your 
adorning be like unto theirs : St. Peter can tell you what that is.* 

" I rejoice in your lot ; I can see the hand of God in it. This is 
a token for good to us all. 

" Go, dear Mary, to your husband's house ; and may the presence 
and blessing of the Lord go with you : I commend you to his holy 
keeping, with confidence. Faithful is He that hath promised, and 
He will do it. We shall have pledged our vows at the table of the 
Lord, at this interesting period : may this strengthen and animate 
our hearts to serve and trust him. On this day the Spirit was 
poured out on the primitive church with great power — may we this 
day receive the earnest of his love in much simplicity. 

" Grace, peace, and mercy, be with my beloved daughter, and 
with her affectionate father, 

"Legh Richmond." 

The year after the marriage of his daughter, Mr. Richmond 
availed himself of a visit to Scotland, to make a short excursion to 
the North of Ireland. We can furnish the reader with no other 
particulars than are contained in the subjoined letter to his friend 
Mr. Higgins, of Turvey Abbey. 

" My dear Sir, 
" Owing to some domestic circumstances connected with our 
dear daughter's confinement, indisposition, and recovery, we have 
been detained here beyond our expectations ; but in our absence, we 
think and talk much of our Turvey friends, and anticipate the re- 
storation to their society witli much pleasure. During my wife's 
more retired occupation of nursing and superintending household 
affairs in Glasgow, I have had interesting opportunities of seeing 
districts of much beauty and curiosity. I have again visited Stafl^a 
and lona, and several other of the Western islands. I have also seen 
the Giant's Causeway, and the highly romantic and sublime coast 
of Antrim in Ireland, including a journey of seventy miles by land 
to Belfast. I was very glad to find that amidst all the misery and 
mischief of many other parts of Ireland, one district in the North , 
is very quiet, and comparatively comfortable. I travelled in an 
open vehicle until midnight, without fear or danger. But not so, 
had I traversed the territories of Captain Rock. The North of Ire- 
♦ 1 Peter iii. 3, 4, 5. 



274 MEMOIRS OF THE 

land is chiefly Protestant, although not exclusively so. I had the 
opportunity of observing there, as in Scotland, that in exact pro- 
portion to the universality and superiority of the school education 
of tlie children of the poor, good or bad conduct prevails in the 
difftrent districts. With mental attainments and useful instruction, 
an elevation and stability of character, and a happy adaptation of 
mind to circumstances, is generally formed. Subject to occasional 
exceptions, I feel confident that the three kingdoms will owe their 
future and final prosperity to the great advances and improvements 
made in general education. Nothing can more illustrate this fact, 
than the comparison between Scotland and Ireland, and the con- 
trasted districts of educated or uneducated Ireland and Scotland 
with each other. For in some of the remote islands and Highlands 
of even Scotland, much is yet to be done. You would not be sorry 
that the Popish question was lost in parliament, neither was I: 
I am convinced that we are safer as we are, although equally con- 
vmced that many good men most conscientiously think otherwise ; 
but I was glad when I saw the result. 

" From my children's account, the boys are going on very w^ell 
with Mr. Ayre, and I trust will improve much under his tuition. 
May God be pleased to enable us to bring them up in ' the nurture 
and admonition of the Lord ;' and to see them, as much as possible, 
preserved from the abounding snares and evils of the corrupt world 
in which their lot must be cast. 

'' The beauty of nature, and its accompanying scenery, is now 
great indeed. I cannot convey to paper the magnificence of the 
mountains, the loveliness of the plains, the sublimity of the rocks, 
the splendour of the ocean, the diversity of the islands, .the won- 
ders of basaltic columns, the awfulness of the caves, nor the com- 
binations of effects produced by them altogether. I cannot depict 
the numerous ivy-girt ruins of feudal castles, nor the groves and 
woods of the mansions and villas of lairds and lords ; but,you know 
something of them, and must conceive in imagination what your 
friend is unable to describe. My great desire is to seek and find 
God in them all, and to adore him there." 

About this time, the church at Turvey was inspected by the arch- 
deacon, who was pleased to express his high approbation of the 
neatness and good order with which every thing appeared to be 
conducted.* The church is a singular building, having three chan- 

♦ We feel called upon, in this place, to bear our testimony to the zeal and 
persevering labour of Archdeacon Bonney, in restoring the churches, under 



REV. LEGH RICHMOND. 275 

eels annexed to it. In one of these are the monuments of the 
Mordaunts ; the middle chancel contains the font and communion 
table ; and the third was used for the evening instruction of the 
schools, where Mr. Richmond catechised and preached to the 
children. A most appropriate selection of texts is inscribed 
on the walls of each of these chancels, as well as in the body of 
the church, chosen by Mr. Richmond with great care, and exhibit- 
ing a complete system of divinity. " I wish," said our excellent 
friend, " when I can no longer preach to my flock, that the walls 
should remind them of what they have heard from me. The eye, 
though wandering in thoughtless vacancy, may catch something 
to affect the heart." 

We regret that we cannot convey to the reader an adequate re- 
presentation of the interior of Turvey church. The admirable or- 
der of the texts, which display both the taste and piety of the de- 
parted rector, might afford a model for similar arrangements in 
other churches. 

The following are extracts from a letter written to his daughter 
F — at this period : — 

" London^ June 7, 1822. 
" Fully as I can enter into the beauties of works of fiction, yet 
I exceedingly dread their tendency. The utmost caution is requi- 
site in meddling with them. The novelist I unequivocally pro- 
scribe, and many of the poets, and their poems, which are only 
nets to catch young minds in the maze of Satan. It is a maxim in 
regard to books, as well as companions, that what does not improve^ 
invariably injures. Few things in this world are merely negative 
and harmless : they either do us good, when sanctified by the Spirit ; 
or they do us harm by stealing our hearts from God. Even the 
beauties and wonders of nature, in an unsanctified mind, excite 
nothing beyond natural affections — pleasure and surprise. If Christ 
is not sought for in them, we rise no higher than mere tourists, 
rhymists, and painters. Whether we eat, or drink, or travel, or 
read, or converse, or philosofliize — all, all must he done to the 
glory of God.^^ 

Hitherto, we have only incidentally mentioned Mr. Richmond's 
exertions in behalf of the British and Foreign Bible Society. But 

his superintendence, to a state of order, decency, and necessary repair, which 
was greatly needed. They now exhibit the appearance becoming the charac- 
ter of the Cln istian Sanctuary ; and wc cannot but express our wish, that so 
laudable an exanrplc were g-encrally imitated. 



276 MEMOIRS OF THE 

it was not likely that an institution, characterized by so catholic a 
spirit, and by a design so grand and compreliensive, should fail to 
fiiid in him a zealous and persevering supporter. He was, in fact, 
disposed to l>eheve that men never thoroughly understood, nor 
rightly felt the true spirit of Christianity, till they acquired it 
through the instrumentality of this society; and that such was the 
force of early and deep rooted prejudices, and so unhappy were 
the divisions and mutual alienation which they inspired, that ap- 
parently no other mean could have been devised for allaying theii 
uncliristian antipathies. Not that he was insensible to the excel- 
lency and importance of his own creed and forms, yet he by no 
means thought it was a necessary conclusion, that, because we deem 
our own standard to be best, every other is consequently erro- 
neous ; or that genuine religion is so restricted to one indispensable 
form and interpretation, that, where men are agreed as to its es- 
sentials, any difference of opinion, however conscientiously held, 
could justly merit the grave charge of heresy and error. 

That he knew how to defend his own principles, whenever 
called upon to support them, we shall adduce the following anec- 
dote: — 

Mr. Richmond once met the late Rev. Andrew Fuller, the well 
known secretary of the Baptist Missionary Societ}^, at the house of 
Mr. Livius, at Bedford. The conversation turned on the ritual of 
the Church of England. Mr. Fuller remarked, that " it assumed 
the sincerity of the worshipper, and indiscriminately attributed to 
each the language of true devotion, which he considered to be a 
defect." " How would you frame these services?*' said Mr. Rich- 
mond : " the church presumes, in the judgment of charity, that all 
her worshippers are sincere, and forms her ritual on this principle. 
If they are not sincere, the greater is their responsibility." " But 
the/ac/," said Mr. F. " is otherwise; and charity, unsupported by 
fact, is misplaced." " How would you remedy the defect ?" re- 
joined Mr. Richmond. Here the conversation was interrupted, the 
time being arrived for family worship. Mr. Richmond, on this 
occasion, expounded a passage of scripture, and Mr. Fuller conclu- 
ded with prayer : after which the former observed, Avith a smile, 
" Your prayer, sir, is liable to the same objection which you make 
to the services of our church. Your petitions for pardon and grace, ' 
your acknowledgment of guilt, your hope and confidence in God, 
were all generally offered up without qualification, as expressive of 
the feelings and sentiments of the wliole assembly." " How would 
you have me pray ?" said Mr. F. " Precisely as you did," replied 



REV. LEGH RICHMOND. 277 

Mr. Richmond : "but you must no longer adhere to your objection; 
for you were not warranted in believing, except in the judgment of 
charity, that all the members of the family were sincere worship- 
pers. You have this night authorized the principle on which our 
services were constructed, by your own example." 

Mr. Richmond's public labours in the cause of the Bible Society, 
were rather occasional than regular ; his tours being for the most 
part taken for the Church Missionary and Jewish Societies. But 
his services were willingly offered, whenever opportunities occur- 
red, and few speakers were heard with more acceptability. He 
also often made voluntary excursions of a smaller extent, to assist 
in the formation of branch Bible Societies ; and he usually attend- 
ed the annual meetings of the auxiliaries to the parent institution, 
within his own neighbourhood, where he was allowed to be one of 
the most efficient instruments in their establishment and confirma- 
tion. 

In the month of August, 1822, he was appointed by the commit- 
tee of the Parent Society in London, to accompany one of their 
secretaries (Dr. Steinkopff ) to Chichester, Portsmouth, Southamp- 
ton, and the Isle of Wight. The recollections of his former resi- 
dence were too strongly associated with all the early events of his 
ministry, not to render the proposal highly acceptable to him. 

We venture to make a few extracts from his journal at this time, 
being the last we shall have occasion to notice. We trace in them 
his usual taste for the beauties of nature, with a growing spiritu- 
ality and devotedness of heart. 

JOURNAL. 

" Aug. 27, 1822. Saw views of the Isle of Wight. What asso- 
ciations crowd upon my heart ! Arrived at Portsmouth. Joyful- 
ly and affectionately received by my old friends, Mr. and Mrs. T., 
in the dockyard. Talked over old times — about the Isle of Wight, 
Brading, Bembridge, &c. 

" I entreat thee, O my God, to sanctify this season to my soul 
and to the souls of others ! May this visit be a blessing. Time is 
going on— eternity is at hand. Strengthen my heart, head, and 
tongue, and keep me from evil. ' 

" — 28. Looked with peculiar recollection on the tower in the 
dockyard, where I conversed with the emperor of Russia, in June, 
1814. Went to the Bible Society. Well supported. Good feel- 
ing. I enlarged on my former intercourse with the Isle of Wight. 

Dined with Sir George G . Proceeded to Southampton. Pro- 

24 



278 MEMOIRS OF THE 

filable conversation with Dr. S. on the necessity of retirement and 
prayer, in the midst of pubhc and official duties. My affections 
greatly exercised to-day, by the topics of my speech — never 
more so. 

" Lord guide me in this pilgrimage. Keep my heart — give me 
judgment— direct my tongue — preserve me from sin ! 

" Aug. 29. Went to the Bible Meeting at Southampton. I told 
the miner's story.* A poor widow brought an interesting girl, 
named Mitchell, about eighteen, to acknowledge with tears of 
grateful affection, how much she was indebted to the tract of 'The 
Young Cottager,' for a change of heart and hope. She showed a 
simplicity of character that affected me greatly. Sailed to Covves. 
Proceeded to Newport. I am once more in the Isle of Wight — 
God bless this visit. My heart yearns over this spot. Lord, sancti- 
fy all things to me and to thy children ! and daily add to the 
church such as shall be saved. 

" Newport J Aug, 30. Met Robert Wallbridge,t and talked about 
his sister and father. Attended the Bible Meeting. Entered at 
large into Isle of Wight feelings. Much affection manifested. Pro- 
ceeded with Dr. S. to Ryde. He left me, to proceed to Ports- 
mouth, after an affectionate farewell.:}: 

" A number of persons came in the evening, and joined us in 
family prayer. Dear John W. and his wife full of kindness and 
holy affections. I expounded and prayed. Mr. Butterworth was 
there. It was an affecting season. How m}'- heart feels these 
scenes and interviews ! Lord, sanctify all this to my own soul ! 
The Brading pulpit is offered me for Sunday morning. 

''Aug. 31. (Saturday.) Fixed to have a Bible meeting on 
Thursday next. Set out with my daughter Fanny, and went 

♦ The story to which he alludes is very affecting". In one of the Newcastle 
colUcries, 35 men and 41 boys died by suffocation^ or were starved to death. 
One of the boys was found dead, with a Bible by his side, and a tin box, such 
as the colliers use. Within the lid he had contrived to engrave, with the point 
of a nail, this last message to his mother : — " Fret not, my dear mother, for 
wc are singing the praises of God while we have time. Mother, follow Grod 
more than ever I did. Joseph, think of God, .and be kind to poor mother." 
Mr. Richmond brought the box from the 'North, and in his mode of commu- 
nicating this affecting incident, used to awaken feelings of the most Uvely 
interest. — See Youth's Magazine, vol. vii. p. 24. 

t This was the brother of his Dairyman's daughter. 

t Mr. Richmond's journal contains many expressions of the warmest 
esteem and Christian regard for Dr. S., which deUcacy alone prevents mm 
from inserting. 



REV. LEGH RICHMOND. 279 

through Brading, to Mr. L.'s cottage at Sandown. All the way, fell 
strong associations. Every tree, hedge, gate, house, revived them. 
Went to Shanklin, to the Chine. Exquisite views. Dined in the 
Chine. Returned through Brading. Was much affected on read- 
ing many grave-stones — so many that I once well knew ! Drank 
tea with the curate. Finally settled that I should preach to-mor- 
row at Brading. The bells ringing for me. Found an invitation to 
preach to-morrow at Ryde also. May my soul be directed into all 
truth. I felt much while sitting in the Brading vicarage parlour — 
BO many domestic recollections ! Returned to Ryde. 

^^ Sept. 1. {Sunday.) A most affecting day. Went, after break- 
fast, to Brading. Before church, saw many friends, who most 
affectionately greeted me. Preached from Psalm viii. 4 — ' What 
is man, that thou art mindful of him ? and the son of man, that 
thou visitest him?' Church most crowded. I was much affected 
by the whole scene. Mr. T., the curate, acted in a very friendly 
manner. After many interesting circumstances, went to Ryde, and 
preached there in the afternoon. Dined with Mr. and Mrs. P. At 
eight, went to Mrs. Y., at Bank Cottage, where a multitude of peo- 
ple heard me expound and pray. How many gave me the affec- 
tionate right-hand of fellowship ! Mr. and Lady Harriet W., Mr. 
Butterworth, &c. there. I expounded from John vii. 37 — ^In the 
last day, that great day of the feast, Jesus stood and cried, saying. 
If any man thirst, let him come unto me and drink.' 

" What scenes are these ! How far removed from the pomps 
and vanities of this world ! 

" — 2. Went to Brading. Shewed Jane's cottage to Fanny.* 
Called on numbers of people. Much friendly and kind reception 
at Brading : religious and devotional feeling in every direction. 

" — 3. Went to Bembridge. Interesting in the extreme. Saw 
old Mr. G. dying, and happy in death. Called at the G.'s. Found 
the whole family full of love, affection, and piety. Went to Mr. 
K.'s, and various others. All respect and affection. Ascended 
Bembridge down : the finest prospect in the island. Dined at Mrs. 
M.'s. Had a delightful religious party in the evening. Exposi- 
tion and prayer. Settled to have a distribution of tracts at Bem- 
bridge, on Thursday, if fine. 

'' God grant me grace to go through all these affecting scenes 
profitably to myself and others ! 

" — 4. Explored former scenes with much interest. Many 
associations during this excursion. Lord, sanctify tliem ! 
♦ Tlic scene of one of his interesting" narratives. 



280 MEMOIRS OF THE 

" Sept. 5. A day much to be reir.embered. After breakfast, went 
with Mr. Butterworth, &c. to distribute tracts, according to pro- 
mise, at Bembridge Pomt, to which I had invited all the popula- 
tion of Bembridge. The most affecting and affectionate scene 
ever witnessed. Sucli meetings, welcomes, congratulations, smiles, 
tears, salutations, from some hundred persons — men, women, and 
children ! It is indelibly impressed upon my mind, and beggars all 
description. 

'• Had many proofs of past usefulness. God bless this day to 
me and many ! On returning home, found a delightful letter from 
my dear wife, about the Isle of Wight: God bless and preserve 
her. Dined at six, with a Christian party. Expounded 23d 
Psalm. Oh ! that this day may be remembered for good ! 

" — 6. Visited Robert Wallbridge and Mrs. A. Had much 
useful conversation about the Dairyman's Daughter. She gave me 
a lock of her hair. We went to Arreton Church, and visited her 
grave. 

" — 12. A day to be much remembered. On this day twenty- 
five years since, I first read Mr. Wilber force's book on Christiani- 
ty, in my little study, in the vicarge house at Brading ; and thence 
and then received my first serious, and^ I hope, saving impres- 
sions ! 

" A memorial stone was this da}^ put up over the grave of little 
Jane, the young cottager — my first convert and seal in Brading. 
Multitudes attended — old and young, from all the vicinity. Her 
parents bent, weeping, over the grave. What did I not feel ! We 
then adjourned to the cottage Avhere she lived and died, and I dis- 
tributed a number of ' Young Cottager' tracts to the inhabitants 
and neighbourhood, w^ho came in throngs to receive them. A tru- 
ly affecting scene ! 

" Sept. 18. A stone was this day put up for the Dairyman's 
Daughter, in Arreton church-yard. 

' Post tot naufragia tutus.' 
* To God be aU the praise.' " 

The extent of his engagements, during this period, may be con 
ceived from the following brief extract of a letter addressed to an 
esteemed friend. 

" JRyde, September 17, 1822. 
" Unless you were with me, you could have no idea how, 
from before six in the morning, till past twelve at night, I have been, 
and am occupied. But mostly, I trust, for good. The spiritual 



REV. LEGH RICHMOND. 281 

scenery exceeds in interest even the natural. I wish I could tell 
you half of what I see and feel here. To-night we have a Tract 
Society meeting in this town. On Friday I preach on board convict 
ships, in Portsmouth harbour ; on Sunday, in churches at Portsea , 
and on Monday, one or two public engagements at Southampton, 
whence on Tuesday I go to town. 

" My heart's prayer and desire is, that all your beloved circle, 
lay and clerical, male and female, elder and younger, may enjoy 
grace, peace, and love. I shall think of you on the shore of my 
beloved island, and add you all to the groupe of objects, which en- 
dear it to my heart." 

" Rev. JL. Lackey^ 
** Sundown, Isle of Wight.'^ 

After preaching several times to large congregations, he took an 
affectionate farewell of his numerous friends in the Isle of Wight, 
and shortly afterwards addressed the following pastoral letter to his 
parishioners at Turvey. 

" Portsmouth, September 19, 1822. 

" My dear Christian Friends, 
" My heart has never lost sight of you, while I have been re- 
ceiving such affectionate tokens of the love and regard of the dear 
people in the Isle of Wight, as have melted my heart almost beyond 
any thing I ever experienced. I have had such daily opportuni- 
ties of seeing, doing, and receiving good, as I think I never enjoyed 
before. It has been a time of revival, love, joy, peace, and brother- 
ly kindness. They think and talk of you, and pray for you, and 
feel towards you as brothers and sisters, for my sake as well as for 
the Lord's. Not only are many of my old friends continuing in the 
ways of God, but many others, whom I used to labour among, are 
become serious ; and the children and grandchildren of my former 
friends came around me in large groupes for a word and a blessing. 
I went one day to a part of my old parish, where religion most pre- 
vailed, and sent word that I should be glad to shake hands with as 
many as would come down to the sea shore, where I sat upon a 
rock. More than five hundred men, women, and children, came, 
and I gave each a tract and a blessing. It was a scene full of deep 
and trying affections. I can never describe it, or think of it, withoui 
ardent feelings. We have put up grave-stones to little Jane and the 
Dairyman's Daughter.* Some hundreds attended, and the tracts 

* Sec ' Cliristian Guardian,' October, 1822, for a further account of this 
transact! oa 

24* 



282 MEMOIRS OF THE 

were distributed that respect those dear persons. It was a time of 
great feeling, and a tribute of much love was paid to the graves 
of the deceased. Some were there weeping with gratitude, in 
having been brought to God through the reading of those very- 
tracts. 

" The father and mother of little Jane were at the grave, while 
the stone was putting up. We then went to the house where she 
died, and the ' Young Cottager^ tract was given to every one that 
came. It will be a sweet day of remembrance to me, for it took 
place on September 12th. On that very day, twenty-five years 
ago, I first received my own serious impressions, through reading 
a book,t and little Jane was the first fruits of my change of 
principles. 

" A nursery girl, who lived with me at the time of my leaving 
the island, is come fifty-five miles on foot, on purpose to see me 
here, and to thank me as the instrument of her conversion, while 
she was my servant; and to-morrow she sets out to walk fifty-five 
miles back again. I did not at that time know that she was under 
any religious impressions. She was then fifteen years old. God 
be praised for his mercies ! 

" I left the island yesterday, with strong feelings. I preach here 
on Sunday, and above thirty persons are just arrived from the Isle 
of Wight, to see me once more, and to say Farewell in the Lord. 
I beseech you to love one another, labour for each other's good, 
live in peace, try to win souls to Christ. Pray for me that I may 
return to my dear people of Turvey with a blessing from above, 
for their sakes, and my own. Farewell in the Lord. 
" Your affectionate pastor, 

" Legh Richmond." 

On his return to Turvey, he addressed a highly-respected friend 
and parishioner in the isle of Wight. 

" Turvey, Dec, 5, 1822. 
" The remembrance of the days and hours which we spent to- 
gether in the isle of Weight is very refreshing to me. I hope that 
the numerous meetings which we enjoyed, have been profitable to 
not a few of those who assembled together. My daughter and I 
frequently look back upon the two days passed at Bembridge and 
Brading, when the tracts were distributed, and the grave-stone put 

t Mr. Wilberforae's work on * Prajctical Christianity.* 



REV. LEGH RICHMOND. 283 

up, with such affection and gratitude, I think they will never he 
forgotten by many. I did feel a lively hope that so much seed 
would not be sown in vain, and that the Lord would give a bless- 
ing to such means as I trusted he had put it into our hearts to em- 
ploy. M}^ affections for the island are founded upon many of those 
circumstances which you will remember in our younger days. It 
was there that my own heart was first made acquainted with the infi- 
nite value of immortal souls, and of the difficult office of a Christian 
minister. It was there that those means of grace were enjoyed, which 
have been since felt and remembered by some, as " times of refresh- 
ment from the presence of the Lord." It was there that I met with 
the Dairyman's Daughter, the Negro Servant, and the Young Cot- 
tager, and with my respected friend, John Wheler. These, and 
many more events, bind my heart to the place with very tender 
ties. When you see our friends at Bembridge, tell them how 
much I feel towards them. Some of them are the children of my 
early ministry ; others are their children ; and others, again, have 
been brought to the knowledge of the truth, through the Lord's 
blessing upon instructions established and blessed when I first 
knew them. These are strong ties for spiritual regard. I pray, 
my dear friend, that you may grow in grace, and in the knowledge 
of the Lord. He that has accompanied you thus far in your way, 
will not leave nor forsake you. He is the same yesterday, and 
to-day, and forever. Cast your care upon him, for he careth for 
you. The promise is to you, and to your children, and to as many 
as are afar off, whom the Lord shall call. Let me hear from 
you soon. May grace, peace, and mercy, be with you and yours. 
Pray for me and mine, and believe me, faithfully and affection- 
ately, 

" Your friend in Christ, 

" Legh Richmond." 

<* Mr. John Wheler, Ryde, Isle of IVight." 

We have already alluded to the illness of Mr. Richmond's son 
Wilberforce. Symptoms of a consumptive nature had been gra- 
dually developing themselves ; and it was at length deemed highly 
expedient that he should visit Scotland, and be committed to the 
care of the Rev. James Marshall, his brother-in-law. It was hoped 
that the effects of a sea voyage, and change of air, und the benefit 
of Dr. S's advice, who had been remarkably successful in several 
instances of consumption, might possibly arrest the progress of 
this insidious disorder. 



284 MEMOIRS OF THE 

Mr. Richmond did not, on this occasion, imitate the worldly pru- 
dence of some persons, who labour to conceal from the patient the 
danger of their state, and with a mistaken kindness prohibit the 
introduction of religious subjects, from fear of aggravating the dis- 
order. With a heart alive to the eternal interests of his child, he 
addressed to him the following letters. May the perusal of them 
afford an instructive lesson to all who are placed under similar cir- 
cumstances, and teach them never to forget, that " one thing is 
needful" for others as well as for themselves ; and that the wisdom 
which would endeavour to save the perishing body, at the risk of 
the immortal soul, is an act of treachery the more criminal, in pro- 
portion as its consequences are irreparable and eternal. 

" Turvey, June 12, 1824. 
" My dear Boy, 

" I have, as I mentioned to you the other day, for some time 
wished to press upon your attention the important subject of the 
Lord's Supper ; and, as in the case of each of your sisters, I found 
that some epistolary correspondence afforded a liberty and facility 
of communication in the first instance, I trust you will not object 
to adopting a similar mode. A time of relaxation from your studies, 
and of indisposition, may afford you good opportunity for such a pur- 
pose. It will be exceedingly gratifying to me to receive some sim- 
ple, faithful account of your state of mind, views, feelings, and 
desires, in connexion with the privileges and duty of commemora- 
ting the dying love of Christ to sinners. I wish to receive you at 
the table of our Lord, both as your affectionate father in the flesh, 
and your still happier father in the spirit, with principles enlighten- 
ed, and heart warmed with a Saviour's mercies. Approach me 
thus, my beloved son, and write to me with a free confidential 
heart. I feel the most lively interest in your spiritual welfare, far 
beyond what my ordinary manner may betray. You are arrived at an 
age, when I wish you to become my bosom friend and companion in 
all things, but above all, in those things which belong to everlast- 
ing peace. I have sometimes feared that other subjects have some- 
what monopolized you thoughts; and yet I have the firmest hope 
that your mind is truly sensible of the value and importance of di- 
vine things. I trust you are constant in prayer, and that your af- 
fections are unfeignedly directed towards divine truth. I cannot 
express to you how much this belief comforts and strengthens my 
mind. It is allied to every feeling and wish which I have so long 
and so anxiously cherished, in regard to your future character, as 



REV. LEGH RICHMOND. 285 

a minister of the Gospel of Christ. None but God knows how intense 
my solicitude has been upon that point. It is nigh time that you 
should, by the open act of communion, devote yourself to the Redeem- 
er's service, and look upon it as a pledge for your inward princi- 
ples, and outward practice. You should attentively examine the 
sacramental service in the Liturgy, and always have a book of ex- 
perimental and devotional character, more or less in private read- 
ing. It must ever be kept in remembrance, that the mere literary 
discussional study of theology, however valuable and needful, is a 
distinct thing from the affectionate work of the heart in the exer- 
cises of the conscience in the soul. I am earnest that my dear 
child should enjoy all the privileges of the church of Christ, and 
adorn them. Search for the evidences of a renewed heart daily ; 
come as a lost, undone sinner, and may you taste that the Lord is 
gracious. Beware of the world's temptations and levities. We 
should all feel that time is short, and eternity at hand, and be pre- 
pared accordingly. The regular partaking of the Lord's Supper, 
when rightly viewed, has a tendency to cherish the best affections 
of the soul, and to preserve both young and old from the dangerous 
delusions of the world, the flesh, and Satan. Let the communica- 
tion of these thoughts excite you to self-examination, meditation, 
and prayer. My love and regard for you are great indeed; my 
own heart is wrapt up in the prosperity of yours. May all your 
studies be sanctified to the glory of God. May you now enjoy a 
portion of those pleasures, which are at God's right hand for ever- 
more.— 'The blood of Christ cleansetli from all sin.' How delight- 
ful a thought for you and for 

" Your affectionate father. 

"Legh Richmond." 

" Turvey, June 22, 1824." 
" My very dear Child, 

" I present you with this book, for the express purpose of your 
keeping a journal and diary, not merely of passing events, as they 
may occur, but of the thoughts of your heart upon divine things. 
I earnestly entreat you to do this; I recommend it from long ex- 
perience as a most beneficial exercise. It is perfectly secret to 
yourself and God. No one can ever see it without your own know- 
ledge and consent. But such records have been so useful, so con- 
solatory, and so improving, that I make it my paternal entreaty 
thai you will comply with this request. Suspended in uncertainty 
with regard to your health and strength, my soul is most anxious 



286 MEMOIRS OF THE 

for your spiritual good. Trifle not, delay not in this matter. Press 
forward to the mark and prize of your high calling. Review the 
past thoughts of your heart — examine the present— anticipate the 
future. You are in God's hands. I trust the everlasting arms are 
underneath you. Let me entreat you to open your mind also to 
me, in frequent correspondence. I cannot express my solicitude 
for your spiritual welfare. You know all the principles by which 
a sinner may be saved: you have known them from your infancy: 
may they be the ornament of your youth. Rest short of nothing 
but a well grounded conviction of your personal interest in Christ. 
There is a rich provision in him for every possible difficulty and 
deficiency which can present itself to your thoughts. Oh, how does 
my heart burn to see you, in every sense of the word, a true Chris- 
tian. In a former note, I invited you to the Lord's table. Happy, 
thrice happy shall I be, to see you there, added to the number of 
the Lord's flock. 

*' Since writing the above, I have received yours. I thank you 
from my heart. Go on, as your strength and opportunities will 
allow, by a little at a time ; but give me as much of your thoughts 
and feelings as you can. Tell me of your past years, and early 
leadings and convictions; tell me more of those things which you 
have named in former letters. You cannot oblige me more, than 
by giving me the history of your heart at various periods. I have 
known too little of you, my dear child. Let that ignorance on my 
part cease. I have loved you from your birth, and watched over 
you till now, with the tenderest affections, but I feel my own defi- 
ciency in not communing more with you on the state of your 
mind in the sight of God. Comfort me now by frequent inter- 
course on these matters. It is the very return of all others which 
I desire for all the past anxieties of a father and a minister. May 
this journey be blessed to you both in soul and body. I trust soon, 
with God's blessing, to see you again. In the meantime, I com- 
mend you to Him, who has all events in his hands, whose consola- 
tions are neither few nor small, who gave his Son to die for your 
sins, and whose compassions fail not. Be much in prayer and self- 
examination. The God of the ^f aves shall protect and guard you ; 
the God of the land shall comfort you. But seek him aright ; 
trifle not with the great concern. How joyfully shall I welcome 
you at the Lord's table, if God so will. Adieu for the present, my 
child, my friend, and, in Christ, my brother. 

"Legh Richmond" 



REV. LEGH RICHMOND. 287 

" Turvey^ June 30, 1824. 

" My ever dear Son, 

"I thank you for your letter, and am glad to hear again from 
Mr. Marshall that you have borne your travels so far well. You 
are never out of my thoughts, and I follow you in imagination 
through every scene of your occupation. But there is an eye that 
beholds and watches over you, in a way that I cannot do. To Him 
I confide and commend you, for sickness and health, for time and 
eternity. What a word, what a thought is eternity ! What pros- 
pects does it set before us ! What inconceivable mysteries are in- 
volved in it ! How does it make the things of time dwindle into in- 
significance ! But what questions of unspeakable import are involv- 
ed in it ! Sin, corrupt nature, a broken law, an offended God, 
eternal punishment ; conscience, guilt, regeneration, salvation by 
Christ; faith, hope, love, free grace, undeserved mercy, justification, 
effectual calling, adoption into God's family, pardon of sin, conso- 
lation in Christ, heaven and glory. These, and a thousand accom- 
paniments, are all connected with the idea, and the reality of eter- 
nity. W^hat a sad proof of the depravity of our hearts is our indif- 
ference towards thinking, and our backwardness towards speaking 
upon those things which belong to our everlasting peace; and 
which, nevertheless, if neglected, involve our eternal ruin. We 
need warnings, and the Lord sends them in many ways. Sick- 
ness, pain, bereavements, losses, disappointments, all bring their 
message with them. The great question between a soul and God 
is not whether we admit the truths of the Scripture into our un- 
derstandings, but whether they are so applied to our hearts as to 
have wrought a change^ and become vital principles of faith 
and practice. Nothing short of this can afford evidence of a saved 
and safe condition. There is an action of the soul by which it 
rests upon Christ, and all that he has done, with full confidence ; 
and this produces peace in the conscience. The more we see of 
ourselves, the more we see our sin ; and the more we see our sin, 
the more we fly to the death and righteousness of Christ, for par- 
don, deliverance, and hope. We behold not only his sufllciency, 
but his willingness to save the chief of sinners. For this we love 
him ; and if we love him, we desire and endeavour to keep his 
commandments ; and this is the way of salvation. 

" Now, does my dear boy view this in all its integrity ? Do the 
experiences of the past, strengthened by all the variety and suc- 
cession of instruction which you have from your infancy received, 
work together to this great end ? Can you be satisfied with any 



288 MEMOIRS OF THE 

thing short of this ? God forbid ! Let nothing interrupt you in this 
continual work of self-examination ; and let self-examinalion lead 
you to earnest and ardent prayer. Let no pursuits of literature, no 
delights of sense, no passing occurrences, no debility of body, no in- 
ferior subjects of recreation, prevent you from keeping your thoughts 
close to God and to eternity. Great have been your mercies, may 
your gratitude be great likewise ! 

"Accustomed as I am to close and faithful dealings with my 
Christian friends and flock, it would ill become me to be silent or in- 
different v^here my dearly beloved child is concerned. Sickness 
gives both you jmd me a wholesome admonition. I pray God, from 
the depths of my heart, that we may each of us improve it to our 
spiritual welfare. God may have great things to accomphsh here- 
by : let us believe and hope so. 

" I had much pleasure in showing you London ; and if Providence 
permit, may yet have more, in viewing the fine scenery in your 
present vicinity, along with you : but whether amongst the beauties 
of art or nature, never, never cease to look for and contemplate the 
God both of creation and redemption in the midst of all. Keep a 
continual watch over your disposition, temper, and thoughts. 
There are not only sins of the temper, but of the understanding 
also ; and pride in every form, intellectual as well as sensual, must 
be brought low. ' Learn of me,' said the Saviour, ' for I am meek 
and lowly of heart.' I write, as I would talk with and pray for 
you. May this dispensation of the Almighty, which has for the 
present separated us, and given us cause for much anxiety on your 
account, be a season of much profit to us all ! Lay these things to 
heart, make them the subject of unceasing petition at that throne, 
whence no believing supplicants are ever sent empty away. Won- 
der not that I cannot rest contended with a superficial religion, but 
that I look for a deeply experimental life of God in your soul. I place 
time and eternity before me in holy imagination. I strive, as it 
were, to penetrate the veil which separates them, and to look ear- 
nestly at those things which belong to your and my everlasting 
peace. Forgive me, my dear child, and may God forgive me, if I 
have not always and equally pressed these subjects upon your per- 
sonal attention. They have ever lain near to my heart, and you 
have had multiplied opportunities of meditating upon them. I trust 
you have done so. But let me know more and more of your 
thoughts, past and present. My Christian and parental peace is 
dependent greatly upon it. I am glad that our friend Dr. Stewart 
has had so good an opportunity of studying your case. You are 



REV. LEGH RICHMOND. 289 

in the Lord's hands. May he overrule every thing for your good, 
May our confidence be placed only where it is due ; and pray for 
your father, and your father shall pray for you. Amongst the 
books in your travelling library, are many most valuable authors. 
Read, mark, learn, and inwardly digest what they say, so far as 
you find time and strength to peruse them. Above all, search the 
Scriptures, for in them you have eternal life. Your mother sends 
her entire and most affectionate love to you : your sisters and bro- 
thers the same. And what shall I add for myself ? All that is 
tender, affectionate, parental, and Christian, 

" From vour father, 

"L. R." 

In the month of July, Mr. Richmond joined his son in Scotland, 
using every means for the restoration of his health. During a 
short interval of separation, he addressed to him another letter, ex- 
pressive of the same ardent desire for his spiritual welfare, and 
written in the same delightful strain of warm and affectionate 
feeling. 

« Bradford, Aug, 5, 1824. 
^ My dear Wilberforce, 

" We have so long been fellow-travellers and pilgrims toge- 
ther, and my eye and my heart have been so long accustomed to 
watch over you, that I cannot help wishing to indulge my affec- 
tionate feelings, by giving you a few lines during this short sepa- 
ration, which, short as it has been, never ceases to present my dear 
boy to imagination and recollection. I have reason to think, and 
perhaps the fault is my own, that you are but imperfectly aware 
of my strong and anxious feeling toward you, with respect both 
to your temporal and spiritual welfare. I sometimes fanc}^ I see 
this in your manner, and it hurts me. I say little, or probably no- 
thing ; but my heart is alive to great sensibilities. Rest assured, 
my much-loved child, that at all past periods, but most especiall)^ 
since it has pleased God to put your health, and of course with it 
your life, to so marked a trial, I have not ceased for a single hour 
(and I can hardly except the dreaming hours of the night) to 
make your comfort and prosperity the subject of my prayers and 
solicitude. When you may least have suspected it from my ordi- 
nary manner, even my silence has spoken to God in your behalf. 
Many and deep have been my meditations, as we ascended the 
hills, and descended the vales of Scotland ; or as we ploughed the 

25 



290 MEMOIRS OF THE 

waters with our prows and paddles. I have often experienced a kind 
of stupid impotency of utterance, when my heart has been animated 
and full. You likewise manifest a sort of reserve on the subject 
of personal religion, which checks, and sometimes chills, my ri- 
sing inclination to more unreserved, f^ree, congenial, and comfort- 
able conversation. I wish all this to vanish; and that whatever 
may be the will of God concerning you, the future days which 
his providence may permit us mutually to spend together, may be 
more distinctly marked by free and affectionate communications. 
But far, far above all, it is my cherished and anxious hope, that 
you may evince an increasing love to spiritual things, to read- 
ing, conversing, and meditating upon the things which belong to 
your everlasting peace. You have had your warning as to the 
delicate and ,precarious tenure by which life, health, and youthful 
vigour are held. Every day and hour still reminds you of the 
uncertainty of all things future, so far as this world is concerned. 
And such warnings are unspeakable mercies, designed by God for 
the most wise and benevolent purposes. 

" The season of amended health, and present suspension of 
painful and distressing symptoms, is precisely that in which your 
heart should exercise a peculiar jealousy over itself, lest the com- 
parative trifles of this world, and the ensnaring affections of tlie 
flesh, should deaden your feelings about the grand question, ^ What 
are the evidences of my salvation ? What have I done, what must 
I do to be saved?' Other studies than those directly religious 
may doubtless, have their due and subordinate place. Other books 
than the Holy Scriptures, and their expositions, may also have 
their moderated share of our attention ; but if any human study, or 
any human book, have more of our love and attention, than those 
which directly lead our hearts to God, something must be very 
wrong. Idols force themselves upon our notice every where, and 
lawful things may become idols by the abuse of them, and the suf- 
fering them to usurp the Jirst place in the heart's affections. Ne- 
ver be contented with slight and general hopes of all being right 
within, but seek and strive after clear and particular evidences, 
that you ' know whom you have trusted.' for time and eternity. I e£u:- 
nestly entreat you to examine yourself daily on scriptural princi- 
ples, that you may the ipore ardently throw yourself on the mer- 
cy of a covenant God for the forgiveness of your sins, the renova- 
tion of your heart, and the guidance of your judgment Never be 
jiatisfied with an avowedly imperfect Christianity. A luicf Chris- 
tian is vn Christian, nor is he accepted of God. Christ is a whole, 



REV. LEGH RICHMOND. 201 

perfect, and finished Saviour; and whosoever is a partaker of 
Christ, is a partaker of all that he is, all that he has done, and all 
that he will do, for the complete salvation of all his chosen. De- 
cency, formality, and cold ceremonial worship, are poor and ineffi- 
cacious substitutes for heart-service, holy affections, trust in a Sa- 
viour, and love to God. Not unfrequent are the times, and your 
dear mother often experiences them also, when the immensity of 
that question, 'Am I his, or am I not?' overwhelms me ; and I 
should sink in despondency, if the pure, undeserved, and inexpres- 
sible mercy of God, did not direct my soul to the Redeemer's 
blood, which, when believed in, and applied to the guilty and trem- 
bling conscience, cleanseth from all sin, and opens the door to 
hope and consolation. May my beloved child flee to the same 
fountain with genuine humiliation, and find the like deliverance : 
and may his anxious parents be made so far partakers of his 
thoughts, as to feel strong in the Lord on his account. My mind 
was much affected when I first received you at the table of the 
Lord, and my heart went out in lively prayer, that you might also 
be received of God — owned, honoured, and accepted, as a child of 
heaven. Live, speak, and act as a consistent communicant of the 
church ; the vov/s of the Lord are upon you ; but if all be right, 
you will find that his yoke is easy, and his burden light. I wish 
to look upon you, not only as my child by nature, but as my spi- 
ritual child, and therefore (without a paradox) my spiritual brother. 
Sweet associations of relationship are formed in the family of God 
and the household of faith. Many tender and affectionate prayers 
have been daily offered up for you amongst the poor people of 
Turvey, as I have several testimonies to prove. We shall soon 
return to them again, God willing ; and may those prayers, united 
to my own, be fully answered in the gracious state of your soul, as 
well as in the comfort of your bodily health. But we must, as to 
the latter, await the Lord's will. He doeth, and will do all things 
well. Meditate on these things, and may you and I mutually reap 
the benefit of such exercises of your heart. As you read this let- 
ter, cherish a tender as well as a dutiful sentiment towards him 
who penned it, and accept it as one more token of that deep-seated 
love which I bear towards you, and which must increasingly sub- 
sist, while / remain a father, and you a son. 

"I yesterday enjoyed the high mental luxury of walking in the 
broad aisle of York Minster, quite alone, during the morning ser- 
vice. As often before, such sights and such sounds compelled me 
to weep ; and as I was solitary, nothing interrupted the flow of my 



398 MEMOIRS OF THE 

heart. I recollected being there once with you, and I have not 
forijottcn how miicli, if I mistake not, your infant heart was also 
affected at that time. Whether we shall ever again meet together, 
in that magnificent and astonishing fabric, I know not ; but, oh ! 
may God grant tiiat we finally meet in the ' house not made with 
hands, eternal in the heavens.' '' 

The summer and autumn were spent in Scotland, in various ex- 
cursions, both by land and sea ; but after various alternations of 
lh>pe and fear in this treacherous and delusive disorder, they re- 
turned together to Turvey, without any decided amendment in the 
dear invalid. 

The period at length approached, when this interesting youtli, 
the subject of so many prayers and fond anticipations, was to be 
removed from this earthly scene. The wasted form, the hectic 
look, the sunken eye, and the increasing difficulty of respiration, 
all denoted that the hour of dissolution was at hand. He looked 
like a tender flower nipped in the bud ; but it was a flower soon to 
bloom in the paradise of God. His Christian graces had been 
gradually unfolding, and his mind carried through a state of 
anxious inquiry and close examination, till it was able to rest in 
full confidence on the grace and mercy of God in Christ Jesus. 
He discovered the most earnest desire for solid peace and comfort, 
both as to the ground of his hope, and its necessary evidence. 

To a friend, who frequently visited him, he said, " I wish to be 
under no mistake or delusion, in a matter of so much importance 
as the salvation of my immortal soul. Tell me where you think 
I am defective in my views, or wanting in the experience of their 
power. Deal faithfully with me, do not deceive me ; pray for me, 
above all, that I may not deceive myself." 

To the writer, a fortnight before his death, he expressed him- 
self as follows: "I trust I have the Christian's hope, but I want 
more of it. I want more of that hungering and thirsting after 
righteousness, which the Saviour has promised to satisfy— which 
we ought to have at all times ; but which, if we have not in death, 
what is our hope, and how can we be prepared to die ?" 

The last visit was still more affecting : it was only two days be- 
fore his end. He was sitting in an arm chair, supported whh 
cusliions, and seemed to be in a very exhausted state. His father 
set opposite to him, in whose countenance was depicted the strug- 
gle of nature and of grace ;— of nature, for he was about to lose 
his child— of grace, for that child was already on the very 
threshold of glory. In another part of the room were three oi 



^p^Fr^9r% 



REV. LEGH RICHMOND. 293 

four of his brothers and sisters, some of them in tears. " Speak 
to this dear boy," said the father, addressing himself to me, " and 
question him about his hopes." 

I sat down at his side, and taking him by the hand, said, " Can 
you, my dear boy, pass through the valley of the shadow of death, 
and say with David, ' I fear no evil V ^' " Yes, I trust so." " What 
is the ground of your trust ?" " It is, because his ' rod and his 
staff they comfort me.' My hope rests on Christ alone." " Have 
you no doubts to be removed ?" " I had many misgivings, but God 
has mercifully taken them all away." " Is your heart wholly and 
supremely set upon God ? Do you truly love him ?" " I hope I 
do, but I wish I loved him more." " Do you feel weary of sick- 
ness ?" " I feel more weary of sin, and long for the time when it 
will be laid aside for ever." ^' Does the prospect of glory animate 
and support you, and is the holiness and blessedness of heaven the 
subject of your meditations?" "Yes, I have been thinking of it 
with great delight this very morning, and almost seem to have en- 
tered within its blessed abodes." 

I then read to him that beautiful chapter in the Revelations (the 
22d) descriptive of a state of glory. His attention was peculiarly 
arrested. After I had finished, " This happiness," I said, " will 
soon be yours, and the portion of all who are the Lord's." Then 
gathering his brothers and sisters around us, I requested him to 
bear his dying testimony to the value of the Gospel in this trying 
hour. 

He spoke tenderly and affectionately to all ; the marks of ap- 
proaching dissolution, gave an inexpressible interest to the whole 
scene. Then, particularly addressing himself to his brother 
Henry, he observed — "My dear father once hoped to see me a 
minister in the church. It has pleased God to disappoint that 
hope. Do you fulfil it, in my place, and be a comfort to my father, 
when I am gone." 

Three days afterwards, Jan. 16, 1825, his happy spirit took its 
flight to the mansions of the blessed. 

The writer of this memoir fulfilled the last solemn offices. The 
occasion was peculiarly impressive and affecting. 

The following letters are pleasing testimonies to the piety of the 
departed child, and the resignation of the bereaved parent. 

"My much-loved Son, " Turvey, January 25, 1825. 

"Amidst many arduous struggles between nature and grace, 
sorrow and joy, anxiety and consolation, I wish to express a few 

25* 



294 MEMOIRS OF THE 

of my feelings towards you. A very few they must be, compared 
with the volume of emotions which agitate my heart. But thanks 
be to God, grace, peace, and mercy have been so abundantly in- 
scribed upon the whole of this affecting transaction, that I ought 
solely to be occupied in songs of praise to God, for all his good- 
ness to me and mine. The delightful enlargement of heart, the 
liberty of tongue, the humiliation of soul, the affectionate tender- 
ness, tlie sweet serenity of mind, the dignity of sentiment, the la- 
boriously acquired intimacy with the Scriptures, the earnestness to 
speak, to exhort, and comfort each and every individual, the devo- 
tional spirit, the clearness of doctrinal views, and their blessed ap- 
plication in imparting solid peace and comfort, in the prospect of 
dying, all of which illustrated and adorned his latter end, were 
beyond my most sanguine expectation : it was, and shall be, mat- 
ter for joy and gratitude. 

'' We have now found letters, some of them near four years 
old, and others written while he was in Scotland, beautifully de- 
scriptive of his state of mind ; while the conversations— close, 
deep, and searching — which I enjoyed with him during the last 
fortnight, produced the most convincing demonstrations that he 
had been ripening for glory, beyond our thoughts and imagina- 
tion. For a season, he was reserved toward me, relative to per- 
sonal feelings; but at length, of his own accord, he broke out 
like the sun from behind a cloud, and light diffused itself over the 
whole moral and spiritual landscape. 

" It was gratifying to me to find that the humiliation of his 
spirit was precisely such as I particularly wished to see it. For 
four or five days previous to the arrival of my wife and Fanny, 
God so mercifully ordered it, that he said every thing to me, and 
I to him, which I could possibly have wished. Our whole souls, 
on almost every topic of feeUng, opinion, confidence, faithful deal- 
ing, and unreserved affection, were mutually opened. Oh ! they 
were sweet days. The pressure of weakness, disease, and pain, 
often afterwards interrupted our lengthened communications ; but 
sweeter and brighter still were the intervals of ease and short con- 
versation. Many witnessed his lovely testimonies, and none can 
ever forget them. 

"Two hours and a half before his death, he went to bed, and 
laid his head upon the pillow. I said to him— 'So he giveth his 
beloved rest.' He replied, 'Yes; and sweet indeed is the rest 
which Christ gives.' He never awoke from this sleep : but when 
we dreaded, from past examples, a painful waking, he impercepti- 



LI ' w iU.» 



REV. LEGH RICHMOND. 295 

bly went off, in perfect peace, without a sigh, or groan, or struggle, 
or even opening of the eye. I did not suppose it possible for any 
death to be such as this. Peace, rest, gentleness, faith, hope, and 
love, all seemed to be the characteristics of his mind and of his 
dissolution. Oh ! what love, what mercy, what grace ! 

" One of the most remarkable circumstances attending him was, 
his secret and deep exercise of heart and study of the Scriptures, 
beyond my own supposition, owing to his reserve and silence. I 
saw much that I loved and admired, but I was not aware of the 
half. Our feelings are much tried in proportion to the endearing 
nature of our past and recent intercourse. But, as he often said, 
* I know whom I have trusted,' and this relieves and consoles me. 
He was deeply impressed with the idea that his removal was de- 
signed for the spiritual good of others. I think it is manifest al- 
ready, in more instances than one. 

" The whole village has been much in prayer and weeping, for 
some weeks past, and the tenderest affections have prevailed 
throughout : it is a season of much love. 

" On Sunday, Mr. Ayre will preach a funeral sermon for our dear 
boy ; and a beautiful hymn of Bishop Heber will be sung by the 
congregation. 

" Give my tenderest love to dear Mary. Comfort her heart ; and 
may the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, keep hers 
and your heart. 

^^ To the Rev, James Marshall* 

''Turvey, Feb, 6, IS2S, 
" My ever dear Child.* 

******* 

And now to the subject which occupies by far the greater part 
of my thoughts, by day and by night, I should find it no easy 
task to describe the state of my feelings. No previous event of my 
life, with the exception of what passed during your beloved mo- 
ther's dangerous illness, near ten years since, ever exercised my 
heart like this. And as that illness terminated favourably, the cir- 
cumstances no longer assimilate. Dear, blessed boy, I watclied 
over and cherished his infancy, childhood, and youth, in sickness 
and in health, for eighteen years, with no common measure of pa- 
rental feeling. I delighted in his superior mind ; endeavoured to 
check its errors, and to cherish its virtues ; and too fondly hoped 

♦ Mrs. Marshall. 



296 MEMOIRS OF THE 

that he might liave been spared as an ornament to the sanctuary. 
From the beginning of last summer I went on pilgrimage with hira 
both for his soul and body-s sake. God alone knows what I endui- 
ed, in the inmost thoughts of my heart. But the Lord was order- 
ing all things well, beyond what I conceived. The most valuable 
inrcrcourse°which I enjoyed with him during our Scotch residence, 
was in those hours after breakfast, when, as you may remember, I 
used to read, talk, and pray with him, previous to his receiving the 
sacrament at Greenock. I then saw many lovely testimonies of 
his state of mind. After his return home, he was more reserved as 
to the personal question, although ever ready to converse on the 
general subjects of religion, and that with much clearness and pre- 
cision. But at length the sweet sunshine broke from the cloud, and 
filled the horizon most beautifully. We poured out our whole 
hearts to each other, and mutually blessed God for the liberty of 
feeling and language w^hich we obtained. I felt much when he had 
just departed, but I think I feel more now^ A thousand spiritual 
questions press upon my conscience and consideration. Regrets, 
convictions, meltings, hopes, fears, doubts, resolutions, anxieties, 
joys, retrospections, anticipations, all mingle, all exercise, all agi- 
tate my heart. It was his declared and solemn impression, that his 
death was to be as life to others. Thank God I see it so, both in 
the house and the parish — an important w^ork is going on in both, 
beyond former precedent. I have not seen the like before, to the 
same extent. Blessed be God ! 

" Dear Willy told me, on the Monday evening before he died, that 
Mr. M 's affectionate attentions to him had never been exceed- 
ed by those of a real brother ; and that he should love him dearly as 
long as he lived, and ' much longer,' he said, ' if such consciousness 
shall be permitted. And dear Mary,' he added, * how kind she vras 
to us all, last summer ! I shall not see her again on earth, but I 
trust we shall meet hereafter !' Our last Lord's supper was a very 
affecting and trying one : the family kneeled around the grave, to 
which we had recently committed the mortal remains of one so dear. 
I stood upon the very spot ; and dear Henry, for the first time, came 
weeping, trembling, and rejoicing, to supply his departed brother's 
place. I could hardly have conceived that after so long meditating 
upon the probable removal of my child from this mortal scene, I 
should have had such exquisitely trying emotions to undergo. 
How little we know ourselves until our principles and feehngs are 
nut to the proof ?" 



REV. LEGH RICHMOND. 297 

Some months after this afflicting bereavment, the editor was call- 
ed upon to unite Mr. Richmond's third daughter, Henrietta, to the 
Rev. John Ayre, his friend and curate, now the classical tutor of 
the Church Missionary College, at Islington. 

It was a great solace in the midst of his affliction, to unite his 
child with a gentleman whose principles he cordially approved, 
and who was in full possession of his confidence and esteem. 

The following letters were addressed by Mr. Richmond to his son- 
in-law and daughter previous to their marriage. 

"My dear Henrietta. " Turvey, July 6, 1825. 

'^ Take, my beloved child, a father's blessing, prayers, best wishes, 
and approval of your affectionate project. I hope the matter is of 
God, or I could not say what I have done. The apostolical rule is, 
to ' marry only in the Lord ;' and every Christian should be guided 
by it. Earthly affection, however powerful, is not of itself a war- 
rant for the nuptial union. Where passion drives the steeds by 
which the vehicle of our plans and endeavours is carried forward, 
we may expect, sooner or later, an overturn. But when the hea- 
venly Spirit of truth and peace guides and governs our machinery 
of conduct, all is right and safe. Now I am full of hope, from Mr. 
Ayre's and 3^our letters, that this is the case. Real Christianity as 
a foundation, with personal esteem and affection, united to conge- 
niality of feelings on all important subjects, as a superstructure, 
will ever make the marriage union a source of happiness for both 
worlds. 

" I am disposed to concur with you in thinking that my esteem 
ed friend's principles, acquirements, talents, and steadiness of cha 
racter, are good pledges of his success in life ; and as Providence, 
not design, first brought you together, and seems to have guided 
you both, I feel myself justified in joining my consent and sanction 
to the future realizing of those views which form the subject of his 
and your letters to me. May constancy, faithfulness, and recipro- 
cal love, characterize your attachment, and adorn your conduct. 
Let prudence, propriety, and consideration, regulate all your beha- 
viour, during the interval which must naturally elapse, before all 
is conchided. Keep in mind the dignity as well as the kindliness 
of the Christian lover ; courtship and marriage are honourable in 
all, when principle and grace direct our choice. May you prove 
a blessing to each otlier, and may the love of God be shed abroad 
in both your liearts I" 



^8 MEMOIRS OF THE 

" My dear Friend, 

" Of all human connections and projects, none appears to be of 
more importance than that of marriage. Whatever is valuable in 
private life, whatever is prosperous in public life, whatever is scrip- 
tural in spiritual life, and whatever is momentous in eternal life, has 
a deep foundation laid, in the economy of providence and grace, in 
marriage. It should be built upon the purest principles of faith, 
hope, and love. It unites two souls for time and eternity. It 
educates souls for the church of God. It forms, or reforms, 
or deforms character. It blesses or it curses. It makes happy 
or miserable. It brings every precept of rehgion into active 
exercise. Therefore, when rightly undertaken, ' marriage is ho- 
nourable in all.' You, my friend, I am persuaded, are convinced 
of these truths, and I doubt not wish to prove it in the present in- 
stance. 

" I trust the providence of God is in the matter, and that you and 
my dear child will be guided for the best in every thing connected 
with the subject. My prayer is, that grace may reign throughout, 
and that you may prove helpmates to each other in your pilgrimage 
through this to a better world. 

" My heart often sinks within me, when I see how little solid, 
sterYmg, vital piety, manifests itself even amongst many creditable 
Chaistians. I the more earnestly pray for myself, and for all be- 
longing to me, that we may walk circumspectly, redeeming the 
time amidst evil days. How much more of the Spirit's influ- 
ence do we all need ! When I look back upon a half century of 
rational existence, I blush, and take shame to myself. How much 
done which I might wish undone ; and not done, that ought to 
have been done. The Publican's prayer is mine, and will alone 
suit me, even to my dying hour. 

" Farewell, for a short interval, and believe me, 

" Affectionately, your's, 

"Legh Richmond." 

** Rev. John Ayre^ Turvey, Olney^ Bucks. " 

The marriage between Mr. Ayre and Mr. Richmond's daughter 
H , took place in the beginning of July. The affection dis- 
played by the villagers on this occasion was truly gratifying to the 
feeUngs of the family. When the party arrived at the church, they 
found the walls decorated with evergreens, and the pavement lead- 
ing to the altar strewed with flowers. Two hearts, formed with 
the heads of flowers, and the words " May God bless you !" traced 



REV. LEGH RICHMOND. 299 

in the same manner underneath, exhibited both the taste and the 
affection of the parish clerk. This rustic attempt at elegance, so 
unsought for and unexpected, was a pleasing testimony to the in- 
terest excited in the parish, by every event connected with their 
beloved pastor. 

Mr. Richmond did not suffer his daughter to leave her paternal 
roof, without expressing his solicitude for her future welfare, by 
addressing to her a series of admonitions, from which we select 
the following : 

"1. Keep a devoted heart to God in the least and most com- 
mon transactions of every hour ; as well as in those events which 
may seem to call the loudest for manifestation of religious con- 
science and principle. 

" 2. Pray regularly and frequently for grace to live and die by. 

" 3. In every possible circumstance, keep in mind that God's eye 
is upon you. 

"4. Beware of forming hasty judgments of characters; and 
above all of hastily uttering sentiments and remarks to their dis- 
paragement. Be known for charity, forbearance, and kindness. 

'• 5. Keep Christ's golden rule in constant remembrance. It is the 
panacea for most of the evils of this life, so far as they are connected 
with social intercourse. 

^* 6. Avoid all prejudices against nations, churches, sects, and 
parties. They are the bane of both public and private charity, and 
comfort ; and are directly contrary to the spirit and letter of Chris- 
tianity. You may and ought to have conscientious, well-ground- 
ed preferences, hut not one half-formed, ill-formed prejudice 
against any. 

"7. Be courteous to all, friendly with few, intimate with fewer, 
still strictly confidential with fewest of all 

" 8. Choose female intimates, as opportunities may present them, 
with circumspection. Many civil, hospitable, agreeable people, are, 
after all, not improving companions. We may owe and pay them 
the debt of civility, kindness, and gratitude, and yet not be obliged 
to give them too much of our voluntary time and affection. Two 
or three Truly Christian women comprise a circle of large and 
profitable friendship ; seek — and may you succeed in finding them. 

" 9. Be not contented with any thing short of deep, devoted, di- 
ligent, decided seriousness. Make not the too numerous half-heart- 
ed, and decent but dubious Christians, your pattern for imitation. 
Let your mark and standard be very high, and your aim be steady 
and determinate. 



300 MEMOIRS OF THE 

" 10. If you and your husband happen to differ in opinion and 
feeling upon any point, remember whom you have promised to love, 
lionour, and obey. This will settle all things. 

"11. I trust your heart is taught in the real school of Christ. 
IrKjuirc with much prayer into this, day by day. Trust not to past 
privileges, education, or experience. Seek for present evidences, 
such as would comfort you under sudden alarms and distresses, 
should they occur. Study your own character and disposition, as 
drawn from a review of your whole past life; and often carry to 
the Lord, in prayer and confession, what results from such self- 
examination. 

" 12. Study and observe great simplicity and plainness in dress. 
A clergyman's wife should be a i)attern of simplicity in that par- 
ticular. It is a just outcry against too many professing females, 
that they are much too showy and gay in their outward apparel — 
Remember the Apostle's injunction on this important subject. 1 
Peter iii. 1 — 6. 

" 13. You are bidding farewell to your father's house, as the 
home of your infancy, chirdhood, and youth — Yet the remembrance 
of that home will be dear to you for life, wherever your new home 
may be situated. I repeat — remember the religious principles of 
your father's house, at all times, and in all places ; may they prove 
a guide to you in life, and a consolation in death. Christ has been 
[vcr]y and fully made known to you. Let Christ be your all, now ; 
liereaftcr ; for ever !" 

We have already mentioned the disappointment of Mr. Richmond 
with respect to his eldest son Nugent, and the choice made by the 
youth of a seafaring life. We now resume the subject of his 
history. 

He had been employed in different merchant vessels, sailing Irom 
Bencoolen, Calcutta, and other parts of India, to the isle of France 
and Gibraltar. From the latter place, he wrote to his father in the 
years 1820 and 1821, strongly urging a meeting between them. 
His letters had been expressive of much affection, contrition for the 
past, and sincere desires of amendment. Several persons, who had 
opportunities of observing him, bore pleasing testimony to the 
change of his character and conduct. Among these were Mr. 
Chater, a missionary at Ceylon ; Mr. Rees, another missionary, at 
Gibraltar; and Lieutenant Bailey, R. N. of the same place, who 
gave a decisive proof of his confidence, by entrusting him with the 
care of his son. The officers under whom he had served also spoke 
highly of his attention, and general propriety of behaviour. 



REV. LEGH RICHMOND. 301 

The following interesting letter gives an affecting description of 
a shipwreck which he suffered, and the state of his feehngs under 
those awful circumstances : — 

Calcutta^ July 7, 1824. 

" My dear Father, 
" We left Calcutta in May, and proceeded as far as Saugur 
island, on the morning of the 26th, when the weather began to look 
very unsettled. Another ship, and a large brig, were in company 
with us. On the evening of the 27th, about an hour before dark, 
the Oracabessa began to drive. A perfect hurricane ensued, and 
such a sea got up, that the ship was continually burying herself 
under water, which prevented the people from working forward. 
We could now do nothing farther — every thing having been at- 
tempted to avoid the dreadful fate that seemed to await us. I seized 
this opportunity to go down to my cabin, to pray to the Lord for 
his divine assistance and protection. In the midst of my prayers 
and tears, the ship struck on a sand, at a quarter before nine o'clock, 
with such a shock, as to throw down several persons, and make me 
stagger on my knees. 

*' Every thing was now in confusion, as the ship continued strik- 
ing very hard. There was nothing but one wild surf around us, 
and a raging sea beating all over — the wind blowing a complete 
hurricane. However, in two hours an excellent raft was made, 
capable of carrying from thirty to forty people. As the flood made, 
we again struck violently, and the ship sprung a leak. But as every 
thing was now in readiness to meet the worst, we anxiously waited 
for daylight. 

" In the meantime, I again went below, and prayed with heart 
and soul to Almighty God to save us. My prayers were answered 
sooner than could be expected ; for a certain something, a kind of 
comfortable thought, seemed to arise within me, and say, ' Thy 
life shall be saved !' And not all the shocks, seas, or wind, after- 
wards, could make me think or fear the contrary. Surely there 
never was a greater proof of the Lord being with us : it animated 
and comforted me, and made me work and exert myself with double 
energy. During a great part of this time it rained violently with 
thunder and lightning. 

" Long-wished-for daylight at length came ; when, having put a 
few small things into the boat, we abandoned the unfortunate ship, 
making our way through dreadful breakers ; in which, had the boat 
touched, we must inevitably have perished." 

26 



302 MEMOIRS OF THE 

In anotner letter, written about the same time, he remarks :-- 
" Oh ! my good father ! no one can conceive the horrors of 
shipwreck, but those who have experienced them. Many grateful 
and heartfelt thanks to that divine Providence, that has again saved 
me from a watery grave ! 

" In this unfortunate occurrence, I have lost every thing. My 
loss in private speculation is 3500 rupees. My books, furniture, 
and wearing apparel, together with ' The British Encyclopedia,' 
are all gone, and amount to a considerable sum. I saved nothing 
but a very small trunk, in which, prior to my leaving the ship, J 
put my Bible and the ' Annals of the Poor,' with two suits of clothes 
and my watch. How my hopes and expectations are frustrated ! 
Oh, that all this may be for my good ! I have now to begin the 
world again ; and hope to do so in reahty, and in more respects 
than one." 

Nugent arrived at Calcutta in a most destitute state. Through 
the great kindness and benevolent exertions of the Rev. Mr. Tho- 
mason, to whom he made himself known, a subscription was raised 
for him, out of respect to his father, amounting to 100 guineas, by 
means of which, he was provided with necessary comforts. 

This calamity was rendered the more distressing to him, by its 
occasioning the suspension of his marriage with a young lady at 
Calcutta, of pious character and principles, to whom he was en- 
gaged. Anxious to repair his past misfortunes, he obtained an 
eligible employment on board another vessel ; and likewise a 
promise, on the part of the young lady, that, if his circumstances 
enabled him to marry, she would unite herself to him on his re- 
turn. 

His new speculations having proved successful, he once more re- 
turned to Calcutta, full of the image of the happiness that awaited 
him, and disposed to forget the past, in the brightening prospects 
of the future. But who shall describe the bitter anguish of his 
mind, when, on presenting himself at the well-known house where 
he had left his intended bride, he found the family in deep mourn- 
ing, and received the melancholy intelligence of her death. She 
had been seized with a fever, which carried her off a few days be- 
fore his arrival ! 

Wliile Mr. Richmond was paying a second visit to the isle of 
Wight, in August, 1825, to recover the shock which his health 
and spirits had sustained from the death of his son Wilberforce, 
some indistinct rumours reached him respecting that of his son 



REV. LEGH RICHMOND. 303 

Nugent. He had received communications from him slating 
his intention to revisit England ; and declaring that the two 
happiest days of his life would be, " first, when he should see 
again his dear parents, after so long an absence ; and the second, 
when he should be weaned from the danger of temptation." Mr. 
Richmond was anticipating his return with much delight, when he 
heard the report of his having died on his voyage homewards. 
Every inquiry was made to ascertain the truth of this rumour, and 
the father's heart was again filled with the most anxious disquie- 
tude. 

In this year Mr. Richmond went to Bristol, Gloucester, Chelten- 
ham, Worcester, and Hereford, to be present at the anniversaries 
of the Jewish Auxiliary Society. On his return to Turvey, he 
wrote the following letter to his eldest daughter, in Scotland — a 
child very dear to his heart, and one who well knew how to sym- 
pathize with his sorrows, and to share them with him. 

" Turvey, Oct 25, 1825. 
" My dearest Mary 

" I have lately been present at an interesting meeting of the 
Jewish Auxiliary Society, at Bristol. You know my companions 
in this journey ; I feel better for it. My strength and spirits have 
been greatly affected for a long time — indescribably so 5 for it often 
does not much appear to others, at least not in its real extent. 
Notwithstanding my supposed readiness of speech, and the over- 
flow of tender feelings, which plead for utterance, I am often 
thoughtful, silent, and constrained, when it might be better for me 
to communicate more of what passes within. 

" Our visit to Mrs. Hannah More was a high gratification. 

" We have been kept in long suspense about poor dear Nugent ; 
he was dangerously ill when I last heard of him. I have reason 
to expect a speedy letter now arriving in England. I have receiv- 
ed rumours of his having died in his passage home, and am fully 
prepared for the worst ; but do not notice what I say until you hear 
again, as it distresses your dear mother greatly. I thank God, I 
have had many satisfactory testimonies of his state of mind, and 
feel much comforted on that head. Henry and I were three weeks 
under the roof of his intimate and very Christian friend, Lieute- 
nant Bailey, R. N., from Gibraltar, now at Cowcs ; and collected 
many mteresting circumstances relating to him. I desire to bow 
to the will of God in this dispensation of his providence. I saw 
one of his most intimate friends last week, who had just come 



304 MEMOIRS OF THE 

from the East, and had heard a report of his decease. I mention 
these things to you, that, with me, you may look up to God for 
a right state of mind, under all the designs and decrees of his 
will. 

'' I have had the satisfaction of obtaining likenesses, very nicely 
executed, in the same style with those of your father and mother, 
(in the drawing room,) of Fanny, Henry, Henrietta, and Legh. I 
wish for yours and Mr. Marshall's, by the same hand. My feel- 
ing are strong on this subject; and the irrecoverable loss of my 
dear Wilberforce, and probably of Nugent, render them stronger. 
It is, I had almost said, a blessed art, which can perpetuate to the eye 
what affectionate memory does to the heart. In the midst of life 
we are in death, and who can tell what may occur ! I honour 
the art of painting much, for the sake both of the dead and living. 
I often look around my study, surrounded as I am by the resem- 
blances of many loved and honoured ancestors ; and their forms 
on canvass realize not a few grateful recollections of infancy, child- 
hood, and youth. I can sigh and weep, and smile too, in the soli- 
tude of my chamber, when I am still, and communing with my 
own heart. 

" Just as I finish my letter, I cast my eye on Willy's walking- 
stick. Oh ! how these relics strike to my soul's affections ! With 
our two sticks, alas ! he and I wandered on the shores of Rothsay 
and the adjoining walks, and in many another spot; and now they 
stand side-by-side, in the corner of my study. The partnership of 
the sticks is preserved on earth, but not that of their possessors : — 
we are separated. Yet, oh ! that we may be re-united. Medita- 
tions on this subject often agitate, sometimes console, always 
solemnize my mind. 

" Farewell. Love to your fire-side." 

After the lapse of a few weeks, a letter arrived from the Rev. Mr. 
Thomason, of Calcutta, dated January 23d, 1825, stating that Nu- 
gent had left that place in July, 1824, in a vessel bound to the Mau- 
ritius: — that he had been previously seized with a fever, from 
which he was not perfectly recovered at the time of setting sail: 
that afterwards, being exposed to very severe weather, he experienced 
a relapse — was occasionally delirious ; and, at length, to the sur- 
prise of all on board, was found dead one morning in his cabin. A 
little ivory box was discovered, containing a few jewels and gold 
chains, which he had intended as presents to his brothers and sis- 
ters. On the inside of the cover of this box, the following lines 



REV. LEGH RICHMOND. 305 

were written in his own hand, in pencil^ apparently a short time 
before his death : — 

" Where vice has held its empire long, 
'Twill not endure the least control ; 
None but a power divinely strong 
Can turn the current of the soul. 

" Great God ! I own thy power divine, 
That works to change this heart of mine ! 
I would be formed anew, and bless 
The wonders of renewing grace." 

Such is the eventful history of Mr. Richmond's eldest son ; at 
once affording a salutary warning to the children of religious pa- 
rents, and encouraging such parents to exercise unlimited confi- 
dence in the promises of God. Let those who trifle with their op- 
portunities, and refuse to hearken to the counsels of parental piety 
and affection, mark, in the bhghted prospects and repeated trials of 
this young man, an expression of the Divine displeasure. For 
though in the midst of wrath, God remembers mercy, yet in his 
inscrutable wisdom he often makes a man " to possess the iniqui- 
ties of his youth;" and in his sore chastisement, keeps alive the pe- 
nitent recollection of the sins which he has long since pardoned. 
Let pious parents, while mourning over the wanderings of their 
offspring, never cease from the holy importunity of prayer, that 
God would meet the prodigal "in his ways," and turn him into the 
paths of righteousness and truth ; that, like Mr. Richmond, they 
who have "sowed in tears, may reap in joy." 

A tablet was erected by his father, in the church of Turvey, re- 
cording the manner of his death. The last four lines of the above 
verses were introduced, together with the following appropriate 
passage from the psalms — " Thou shalt show us wonderful things 
in thy righteousness, O God of our salvation, thou that art the 
hope of all the ends of the earth, and of them that remain in the 
broad sea." — {Ps. Ixv. 5.) 

In reference to the death of his son Nugent, he wrote the follow- 
ing letters :— 

To his daughter, Mrs. Marshall, Glasgow : 

" Turvey^ August 3, 1825. 

" My ever dear Daughter, 

* * * * 

" The circumstances attendant upon our dear Nngent's end are 
few and simple. You arc aware what a kn^^ series of favourable 

20* 



306 MEMOIRS OF THE 

accounts of his general behaviour we have had from a variety of 
quarters. You should know, that from at least five religious friends 
I have received highly satisfactory testimonies of his religious feel- 
ings and principles, although he was modest and reserved in 
speaking of himself. I had much information while I was visiting 
his most intimate friend, Mr. Bailey, in the Isle of Wight, (late of 
Gibraltar,) whose little babe was christened Mercy Nugent Rich- 
mond. The time of his shipwreck seemed to have been one of 
special prayer and impression. He lost his all. He however re- 
cruited in some degree ; and was engaged to be married to an ami- 
able and pious young lady. He took a short voyage, and on his 
return found that she had died of a fever. His spirits never reco- 
vered that shock. He w^as afterwards appointed commander of a 
vessel to England. The day before she sailed, he fell out of a gig, 
was confined to bed, and lost the opportunity. Twice afterwards 
he was similarly disappointed. At length he sailed in a ship bound 
for the Mauritius, from whence he intended to have proceeded to 
England. 

Previously to this last voyage, he had an attack of fever, and 
went though a severe course of medicine. At the beginning of the 
voyage, meeting with a heavy gale, he had much laborious service. 
In the course of a very short time he became ill, and was not un- 
frequently delirious, but still did not excite ideas of immediate dan- 
ger. One night, he went to bed at twelve o'clock, and the next 
morning at six, to the grief and surprise of all on board, was found 
dead in his cabin. The ship proceeded to the Mauritius ; and it 
was not until her return to Calcutta, that our excellent and kind 
friend, the Rev. Mr. Thomason, received the news, and his pack- 
ages, papers, &c. He left, out of the scanty stores preserved from 
the wreck of the Oracabessa, 100 rupees to general charitable pur- 
poses ; 50 to the Bible Society ; 50 to the Church Missionary Socie- 
ty ; 50 to the Society for promoting Christian Knowledge ; and 50 
to the Religious Tract Society. A rupee is about 2s. 6d. His af- 
fections for his relatives were very strong. His principles of ho- 
nourable conduct, integrity, pecuniary accuracy, official diligence, 
kind manners, and moral deportment, were exemplary. He lived 
in much esteem, and died much beloved. Dear boy! He was 
snatched from our embraces at the hour of his returning to them. 
He is buried in the depths of the ocean. But the sea shall give up 
her dead, and I trust he will then appear a living soul." 

We suspend for a moment the course of this narrative to in- 



REV. LEGH RICHMOND. 307 

dulge in a few brief reflections. We have now seen Mr. Rich- 
mond exercised by severe and successive afflictions, commencing 
about the year 1814, and continuing, with only occasional inter- 
vals, to the close of life itself. The coincidence of these trials 
with his signal usefulness, is worthy of observation. We notice 
this fact, because it seems to us to illustrate the dealings of God's 
providence in the government of his church and people. True 
Christians are seldom long exempted from a state of trial ; and the 
history of the church of Christ abounds with evidences in confir- 
mation of this remark. The year 1814 was the period of Mr. 
Richmond's great popularity and extensive usefulness, which suc- 
ceeding years rather increased than diminished. It was also the 
period of painful domestic anxiety, as it regarded his eldest son, 
Nugent, and the dangerous illness of a beloved wife. After the 
interval of a few years, he is again exercised by the intelligence 
of his eldest son's supposed loss and shipwreck. A short time 
elapses, when his second son, Wilberforce, a boy distinguished by 
early grace and talents, to whom he fondly looked with the most 
anxious expectation, declines in health, and sinks into the grave. 
Scarcely had a few short months expired, when the rumour of his 
eldest son's death reaches him, a rumour soon confirmed by the 
event. And yet in each case mercy rejoices over judgment, and 
death is swallowed up in victory. What then is the moral lesson 
conveyed by these dispensations ? We learn that trial is usually 
allotted to extensive usefulness ; because, such is the infirmity of 
our nature, that for the most part, success is not good for man ; 
and therefore, to restrain the exuberances of pride, and of self- 
complacency, and to promote the growth of inward holiness, God 
in his wisdom sees fit to send the necessary corrective, that no 
flesh may glory in his sight ; that the instrument may be kept lowly 
and humble, and its graces be preserved and augmented. — " Every 
branch that hear eth fruit he purgeth it, that it may bring" forth 
more fruits — John xv. 2. 

Providence also sometimes sees fit to select those whom he 
has distinguished by his favours, to be the instruments in whom 
he loves to show forth his own divine attributes, by the character 
of the dispensations with which he exercises their faitli and 
graces. Thus in the Old Testament, as well as in tlic New, tlio 
most eminent saints, and followers of Christ, were visited by the 
most eminent trials. They were set apart, as it were, to be " a 
spectacle to men and to angels." It is by dispensations like these 
that we obtain a deeper insight into the divine dealings; and that 



308 MEMOIRS OF THE 

the Church of Christ is taught, by the eminency of the example, 
to adore the power, the wisdom, and glory of God. 

How justly may we apply to Mr. Richmond, on this occasion, 
the following impressive remarks of Lord Bacon : " O Lord, my 
strength, I have since my youth met with thee in all my ways, by 
thy fatherly compassions, by thy comfortable chastisements, and 
by thy most visible providence. As thy favours have increased 
upon me, so have thy corrections ; so as thou hast been always 
near me, O Lord ; and ever as my worldly blessings were exalted, 
so secret darts from thee have pierced me ; and when I have as- 
cended before men, I have descended in humiliation before thee. 
And now, when I thought most of peace and honour, thy hand is 
heavy upon me, and hath humbled me, according to thy former 
loving-kindness, keeping me still in thy fatherly school, not as a 
bastard, but as a child. Just are thy judgments upon me for my 
sins, which are more in number than the sands of the sea, but 
have no proportion to thy mercies ; for what are the sands of the 
sea, earth, heavens ; all these are nothing to thy mercies. Be 
merciful unto me, O Lord, for my Saviour's sake, and receive me 
into thy bosom, or guide me in thy ways."* 

We now resume our subject, and insert a letter to his friend, 
the Rev. H. I. Maddock.f 

" Turvey, December 3, 1825. 
" My beloved Friend and esteemed Brother, 

" Such you shall be called, for such you are and long have been 
to me. I am told how ill you are, and that you are, as it were, 
vibrating between two worlds. The outward man is fast decaying, 
but not so the inner man. Glory to God alone, for the past, pre- 
sent and future. You know in whom you have trusted. He can- 
not, will not forsake you. My heart yearns over many pleasant 
recollections concerning you. The visions of the past revive. O 
may they unite with those beyond the grave, and may sovereign 
grace sanctify them both ! We have spent many a happy 
hour together, cheerful and grave — we have laboured together in 
public and in private. We have, I think, loved each other as bro- 

* See Bacon's Works, vol. vii. p. 4. edited by Basil Montag-ue, 1827. 

t The name of this excellent man is mentioned in the journal of Mr. Rich- 
mond's tour, in the year 1814. He was prematurely snatched from a life of 
usefulness and zeal, beloved and lamented. His end was approaching- at the 
time the above letter was addressed to him. Mr. Richmond did not long- 
survive him. 



REV. LEGH RICHMOND. 309 

thers ; and when little, perhaps, was written or spoken, we have 
had mutual thoughts of peace, and regard for our god-children, 
our wives, and our little ones. 

" I had pleased myself with the thought of visiting you for a 
week at Matlock, next month; but I fear we may never meet 
again. But shall we not meet hereafter ? Lord, how long ! 

" When I last parted from you, I had a dear boy with me— how 
dear, no one can tell ! You are hastening to the mansions where he 
dwells. It is not permitted me to send a message, or it should be 
expressive of ten thousand emotions of a father's heart. But 
Christ is all! And I have lost my eldest boy— my sailor boy! 
But God has found him, and all is well there also. Forgive my 
ramblings. 'Give me a book, some little book— one that contains 
your name, written in it with your own hand. It shall be a che- 
rished mGxnoxidl—pignus amiciticB jucundissimcB. 

" My regard for you, my brother, has not been of a common 
character,. I fear you are not strong enough to give me a few 
lines ; but perhaps your venerable and respected father will do so. 
I this day saw your very dear friend Mr. Allen. The sight of him 
did me good, although he told me how ill you were, beyond what 
I was aware of. 

" And now, my beloved friend, I commend you to the triune 
Jehovah— Father, Son, and Spirit— to united power, wisdom, and 
love ; to the consolations of promise, and the consummations of 
Omnipotence. Faithful is he that hath promised; and he will 
perfect the thing that concerneth you. What a strong-hold is 
this! While you can and may, cherish a tender and prayerful 
feehng for your friend. Fanny shares in all these feehngs ; she 
can never speak of you but with Christian aifection. 

" I desire to be most kindly remembered to all that belong to 
you. May the God, whose consolations are neither few nor small, 
overshadow you with his wing ! 

" L. R." 

The next letter is addressed to one of his youngest daughters, 
then at school : — 

" Turvey, December 5, 1825. 
" My dear Child, 

" I am much pleased with your letter, tlie more so as it con- 
tains some expressions which cherish tlie hope, nearest to my 
leart, as to your spiritual thoughts and feelings. Whilst I cannot 



310 MEMOIRS OF THE 

but feel most tenderly affected by the loss of my two elder sons 
endeared to me by a thousand recollections and emotions, I become 
the more anxious for the welfare of all my children, whom God 
yet spares to me. I have, for a year and a half past, and especial- 
ly during the last year, undergone a great change in my spirits, 
and my whole system has suffered ; but in the midst of all, the in- 
expressible goodness of God has been manifested, and I trust that 
my trials have been blessed to not a few. Many a rose has sprung 
up around the grave of dear Wilberforce, and they still blossom, 
and I trust will do so, until they shall be transferred from the spi- 
ritual garden of Turvey to the glorious Paradise of God. Our 

young friend C manifests, in his numerous letters, a most 

decidedly spiritual mind. He writes upon the subject of experi 
mental and practical religion in a truly delightful and satisfactory 
manner. And can I feel otherwise than anxious, that my deai 
Catharine should add a flower to my parochial and domestic 
shrubbery ? Are you to arrive at your sixteenth year so soon, and 
not internall)^, as wtII as externally, prove that the grace of Christ 
has not been preached to you in vain ? I trust not. Religion is 
not a matter of mere ceremonials, nor even morals, but the spi- 
ritual application of divine truth to the heart, producing those de- 
vout and moral principles of action, which distinguish the true 
Christian from all others. But where, how, and when, does this 
begin? Not until you have deep, humbling, sincere, and anxious 
thoughts about sin, and yourself as a sinner, in the sight of God — 
Not until this conviction, by a kind of holy violence, compels you 
to flee to Christ, as the only refuge from the WTath to come — Not 
until prayer becomes an action of the inmost soul, and the study 
of God's word a real delight — Not until every other consideration 
yields to that infinitely important inquiry, ' What must I do to be 
saved ?'— Not until the light, trifling, and thoughtless mind of the 
child of man be converted, through grace, to the serious, conscien- 
tious, and believing state of the real child of God. Now, has this 
been, and is this the case with you 7 I speak as a Christian, a fa- 
ther, a minister. What are your views of these all-important sub- 
jects? — I wish my child to be deeply in earnest. Life flies apace 
— the period of the tom.b advances. I have four children there al- 
ready. It is true I have eight still on earth— but how long will 
there be eight here ? WTio may be the next to enter upon eterni- 
ty? Think upon these things with devout affection. You trem- 
ble a little even at the thought of a school examination ; but what 
is that, compared with the examination of an immortal soul, be- 



REV. LEGH RICHMOND. 311 

fore the judgment seat of God? Go, then, as a sinner to Christ; 
he sends none empty away. In him, and him alone, there is a 
rich provision for every coming sinner. But let this coming be a 
surrender of all you are, and all you have, to the Lord of grace 
and glory. Be contented with nothing short of a reality in re- 
ligion?" 

***** 

** To Miss C. Richmond.'' 

We have few materials of public interest during the year 1826. 
Mr. Richmond declined in health, and was indisposed for much ex- 
ertion beyond the confines of his parish. We may, however, fill 
up the chasm with his opinions on a few subjects connected with 
trie cause of true religion, but which we could not notice at an ear- 
lier period without interrupting the narrative, and departing from 
the order we had prescribed to ourselves. 

We advert with extreme reluctance, and with the most painful 
recollections, to the apocryphal controversy, which unhappily for 
a long time divided and distracted the Christian world. Mr. Rich- 
mond, with many other conscientious and excellent men, at first 
approved the judgment of the committee of the Bible Society, in 
allowing the circulation of the foreign editions of the Holy Scrip- 
tures. He considered the fundamental law of the society, " with- 
out note or comment," was not designed to exclude the authorized 
versions of the Continent. He knew that the apocryphal books, 
though attached to the canonical Scriptures, had fallen into con- 
tempt in our own country ; and he was disposed to believe that in- 
creased light and information, by the circulation of the word of 
God in any form, would eventually illumine the darkness of men's 
minds, and enable them to distinguish between truth and error. 

We abstain from entering on any unnecessary discussion of this 
question. We confine our remarks to recording the ultimate sen- 
timents of the subject of this Memoir. 

In the progress of this unhappy dispute, Mr. Richmond saw rea- 
son to change his opinion ; and though the meekness and humility 
of his spirit would not allow him to become a violent partisan, lie 
joined in the remonstrances which were made to the parent com- 
mittee, by the greater part of their auxiliary societies. On this 
account he has been accused of vacillation ; but in our judgment, 
the manliness which avows an error, is much more commendable 
ithan the pertinacity which defends and persists in it. 

We are far from designing to rensnro our brethren on either 



312 MEMOIRS OF THE 

side^ or of either country, much less to connect the memory of our 
friend with a controversy which has no parallel in the history of 
modern polemics. He deeply lamented the separation of the two 
great Christian communities : " the most calamitous event," he 
used to say, " which has befallen the church of God for the last 
century ; and I fear that feelings have been excited between the 
nations, which it will take more than a century to allay." Let us 
indulge a hope, that in this sad foreboding he was mistaken. There 
is an almighty power which can restrain the wrath of man ; and 
we hope the readers of this Memoir will pardon our earnest en- 
treaty, that, considering this question to be now set at rest, by the 
pledge so formally given for the future exclusion of the Apocrypha, 
they would henceforth implore the Father of mercies to infuse the 
dove-like spirit of peace and love into the minds of men ; that they 
may put far away " all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and evil 
speaking, with all malice ; and speak the truth in love ; being kind 
one to another, in honour preferring each other, esteeming others 
better than themselves, being pitiful, kind, and tender-hearted; 
forgiving one another, even as God, for Christ's sake, has forgiven 
them." 

The Society for promoting Christianity among the Jews fur- 
nishes another subject for remark. A discussion had arisen in 
some of the periodicals, as to the most efficient mode of preaching 
to the Jews ; whether the doctrine of the second coming of Mes- 
siah in his kingdom and glory, and the future exaltation, and na- 
tional greatness of Israel, ought not to constitute an indispensable 
and prominent feature in the mode of addressing that people. 

In conversing with Mr. Richmond on this topic, the writer one 
day submitted to him the following question :— • 

" What is the scriptural and right way to preach to the Jew ?" 

" I know of no scriptural way," he replied, " of preaching to 
men, otherwise than as sinners ; and why the Jews, whose sins 
are of so aggravated a nature, should be dealt with in a different 
way, 1 do not see. I would address the Jew as I would address 
any other man — that is, as a sinner ; ar d till he is convinced of 
his sin, he will never believe in a Saviour. ' Christ crucified,' is 
declared to be 'to the Greeks foolishness, and to the Jews a stumb- 
ling block ; but to them that believe, the power of God and the wis- 
dom of God.' No man will ever feel the power of God, whether he 
be Jew or Gentile, till he learns it at the foot of the cross." 

When speaking of the strong prejudices that existed among 
many in our own church against several of the public institutions, 



REV. LEGH RICHMOND. 313 

as contrasted with the expression of popular feeling in their support, 
he observed — " I am fully convinced that nothing is more likely to 
weaken the attachment of serious and reflecting minds to the Church 
of England, than this standing aloof from public feelings as if we 
had some distinct interest of our own, and were insulated from that 
of the great mass of the community." He added, ^' In a period pe- 
culiarly marked by enlarged ideas, and extended efforts for the 
cause of God, not to participate in these views, nor to grow with the 
growth of the times in which we live, renders us liable to the charge 
of being unfit for the age to which we belong, as if we were men 
' born out of due time.' Some persons," he said, " think they are 
building up the church by encouraging a spirit of hostility to these 
great causes ; my own opinion is, that they are overturning it ; and 
that no position can be more dangerous to a church, than that which 
exhibits it in avowed opposition to the prevaihng character and sen- 
timents of the community in which it is placed." 

Alluding to some modern religious controversies, I asked, " if he 
did not think that many readers became thereby more confirmed in 
their prejudices ?" 

" All are so," he replied, '^ who read only one side of the ques- 
tion^ which is generally the case with the majority of readers, and 
especially of prejudiced readers. They say to each other, ' have 

you read the book of — ? It is a most able and triumphant 

work.' In the meantime, they never read what is said in reply to 
it ; they consequently view the subject through a partial and dis- 
torted medium. But what should we say of a judge who examined 
no witnesses except those who were on the same side? We should 
have no hesitation in declaring that he perverted the administration 
of justice, and was unfit to discharge the duties of his office ; and 
yet precisely the same thing is practised every day in theological 
controversies. The great bane of our church," he observed, " is 
prejudice : many believe without evidence, and decide without in- 
quiry. Still, the spirit of improvement is perceptible, and religion 
considerably on the increase." 

I asked him, "how we were to reconcile the increase of religion 
with the acknowledged growth of crime, as evinced in our courts of 
justice !" He answered — " Both are true. Bad men are becoming 
worse, and good men better. The first are ripening for judgment, 
the latter for glory. The increase of wickedness is, in this respect, 
a proof of the increase of rehgion. ' The devil is wroth, knowing 
that his time is short.' " 

The reader will here probably wish to know what wore his 

27 



314 MEMOIRS OF THE 

views of the Millennium ; and how far he concurred in some mo- 
dern interpretations of prophecy. On this subject he had not come 
to any decided conclusion ; he was merely accustomed to observe, 
that in the first four centuries such a belief was known to have pre- 
vailed. He was generally of opinion, that the time of great judg- 
ments was at hand ; and that all human institutions, both govern- 
ments and churches, would have to undergo some great purifying 
process ; — that what was wrong in either must be rectified ; that 
much, probably, would be accomplished, in the way of improve- 
ment, by the advancing spirit of the age ; and that when this spirit 
was resisted, a series of divine judgments (or God's controversy 
with the nations) would level all abuses in the dust ; when a new 
and better order of things would arise, and Christianity become a 
dispensation of universal holiness and peace. 

Some other remarks deserve to be recorded. 

" What is the mode of proceeding," I said to him, " which is most 
likely to subserve the interests of our own church ?" 

" That," he rephed, " which is least calculated to lead persons to 
secede from it." 

'' And what will best answer that description ?" 

" Preaching the Gospel." 

Speaking on the subject of Sermons, " some preachers," he ob- 
served, '• are defective in one most essential part of a discourse. 
They insist with much earnestness on the necessity of holiness, of 
abstaining from sin, of loving God, &c. &c. ; but they never tell 
their people how all this is to he done. They leave out the cha- 
racteristic features of the Gospel. They build, without first laying 
the foundation. The doctrine of the atonement, and the ope- 
rations of the Holy Spirit, are not clearly and prominently stated. 
They do not unfold the grand scheme of redemption in its suffi- 
ciency and fulness : its length, and breadth, and height, and depth. 
What is the consequence ? The people derive no benefit from this 
kind of preaching ; and then ministers wonder that their parishes 
are entered by Methodists and Dissenters ?" " How are they to be 
led," I asked, '• to see their error ?" " It is the spirit of God alone," 
he said, " that can reveal the truth to us, when we are in error ; 
but surely they should suspect that all is not right, when they 
thus find their flock deserting them ; and that a doctrine cannot be 
sound, which empties the church, and fills the meeting-house. A 
minister, under these circumstances, if he be sincere and truly con- 
scientious, will be sensible that he cannot be in error, without in- 
volving others in its fatal consequences ; and this conviction will 



REV. LEGH RICHMOND. 315 

lead him to explore the higher and more authentic sources of in- 
formation, the works of Cranmer, Latimer, Jewell, Hooker, and 
others, and to become more fully acquainted with the Articles and 
Homilies of his own Church. To these he will not fail to add the 
unceasing and earnest perusal of his Bible, accompanied by fervent 
prayer that a merciful and gracious God will guide him to correct 
and just views of divine truth, and open his mind and heart to re- 
ceive them. And no one," he continued, '* can be often on his 
bended knees, imploring the wisdom from above, without being ulti- 
mately taught of God. He has distinctly promised to give his Holy 
Spirit to them that ask Him.' " 

In the summer of 1826, Mr. Richmond attended the Norwich an- 
niversaries ; which were the last of his public labours ; and to which 
a brief allusion is made in the following letter to his son. 

" Yaxham^ August 15, 1826. 

" My ever dear H , 

" The Jews' meeting was the largest and most interesting of all 
the three ; and the accession of regard and approbation from a 
great many who had hitherto been less favourably disposed, was a 
gratifying event. I had on Saturday a most affecting sight of near 
eight hundred girls, and one hundred ladies, to address. It crown- 
ed the whole. Yesterday I preached at Welbourn and Yaxham. 
To-day we all dine at Mr. T.'s, to meet Miss C. G., and thus will 
end the delightful fellowship from and at Earlham,* for such in- 
deed it has been to us all. Amongst the numerous parties which 
I have met with, on such occasions, never have I witnessed such a 
scene !" 

As the son to whom the above letter is addressed, was shortly 
about to enter at the University, with a view to the ministry, we 
avail ourselves of this mention of his name, to exhibit the paternal 
solicitude of Mr. Richmond, with reference to that occasion. 

•' Cromer^ September 1, 1826. 
" My very dear Son, 

" The time for your destination is not far off, and the word of 
counsel becomes the more appropriate and needful. From the day 
wherein you first communicated to me your thoughts and wishes 
about entering inta the sacred ministry, my eye, my heart, my 

* The residence of John Joseph Gurney, Esq., the well known seat of hos- 
pitality, to all who are enoragcd in promoting the cause of divine truth. 



316 MEMOIRS OF THE 

head, my conscience, my tenderest affections, have been steadily 
fixed upon you, and your future prospects. Until that period, and 
while your dear brother's health permitted the hope of his be- 
coming a minister, I had other thoughts and plans for you. In- 
deed I was not, until then, aware that your mind had received 
that impression, which now forms my most anxious hope and de- 
sire concerning you. For while I never would or could give 
encouragement to prospects of the ministry, unless I thought I 
discovered decided leadings and leanings of mind towards it, so 
I can truly say that my first wish for each of my sons in succes- 
sion has been, from their cradles, that God might fit them for that 
arduous, responsible, and eminent station, a minister of the Gospel 
of Christ, in deed and in truth. The coincidence of your making 
your wish known to me at the very period when the lamp of 
hfe and hope began to fade, as it concerned your brother, and his 
subsequent decease, struck me as indicative of God's will respect- 
ing you. From that time I have encouraged the prospect, and 
neglected nothing intentionally which might further your edu- 
cation for that sacred office; ever at the same time watching at- 
tentively your general disposition towards Christian experience 
knowledge, and conduct. For a man must first be a true Chris- 
tian before he can be a true viinisier. It was with this view that 
I requested Mr. A. to give you a weekly religious exercise. From 
the day that a youth, on Christian principles, is devoted to the 
ministry, he ought to become a diriniti/ student, and all his studies 
should bend to the one grand object. However valuable in their 
proper place and connexion, yet independently of that connexion, 
classical, mathematical, philosophical, moral, logical, and belles 
lettres, and literature, all sink to nothing, and only wean the 
mind from God and Christ. When the hea7't is right in divine 
matters, then all other things will become so likewise. The next 
thing to be considered in your case, was the usual connexion be- 
tween the clerical office and a university residence and degree. 
This has presented a twofold difficulty to my consideration. The 
first is the doubt and fear, lest the atmosphere of a college life, so 
unpropitious, alike in its gay and its literary habits, to the forma- 
tion and growth of Christian piety, might endanger the simplicity 
and stability of your Christian character. This is, however, in a 
measure overruled by the hope connected with the influence of 

good 3Ir. S 's ministry, and the number of serious young men, 

from amongst whom, and amongst whom alone, I trust, a few con- 
fidential and profitable intimates would be chosen. Nothing would 



REV. LEGH RICHMOND. 317 

induce me to send you to college, if I did not rely on your main- 
taining, both outwardly and inwardly, a decidedly Christian walk 
and profession, regardless alike of the sneers of the scoffer, and 
the dissipating influence of undecided (however agreeable) com- 
panions. It should be observed that my name stands in a pecu- 
liar and somewhat conspicuous point of view; and my son's 
name would be in several w^ays connected with the publicity of 
his father's character. On these subjects I should endeavour to 
give you hereafter more detailed advice, if you were to become a 
collegian. In that case I must commit you to the grace of God, 
and pray for you night and day to be preserved blameless and 
pure. The second difficulty connected with a college education 

has been its expense. 

***** 

"Remember that your religious attainments are my first object, 
your literary my second. May both go safely hand in hand toge- 
ther. 

***** 

" And now, take my blessing. You are three sons in one to me. 
Accept a triple blessing, and may the great Three in One confirm 
it. Your welfare lies very close to my heart — your prospects in 
the ministry, if your life be spared, affect me greatly. I would far 
sooner hear you preach a gospel sermon from your heart, and visit 
the bed-side of a sick parishioner, with the language of experi- 
mental consolation, than see you senior wrangler and medallist, 
with a cold heart and unconverted soul. Think not that I under- 
value useful or ornamental literature ; for although I regret the 
monopoly of time and labour, which an artificial and very partial 
sort of literary acquirements occasion, in our collegiate courses ; 
and while I still more regret the neglect of a theological and reli- 
gious education, as so prominent a blot in our university plans ; yet 
I wish every clergyman to be a well-informed man, having a mind 
stored with useful literature, every particle of which should be 
consecrated to the study of the Bible and the souls of men. It is a 
great comfort that, notwithstanding the paralyzing influence of 
sensuality and idleness on the one hand, and of mere human learn- 
ing and books on the other, God has a chosen people in the uni- 
versity, who are walking in the narrow way that leads to eternal 
life. If you should go to college, may you ever be found with sucli, 
and not with those who bring their fathers' gray hairs with sorrow 
to the grave ; for such wo\dd soon be my h)t, if you, my loved son, 
were to fall away from the earn(^st hopes which I have formed 

27* 



318 MEMOIRS OF THE 

concerning you. Be much in prayer— constantly study your Bible. 
Read daily some experimental and devotional books. Converse 
occasionally on the care and conduct of the soul. Remember the 
poor Christians, and when you can, visit and converse with them, 
as C. does. This is the true school of divinity. It was mine be- 
fore you ; may it be yours after me." 

After the Norwich Anniversaries, Mr. Richmond proceeded to 
Cromer, a bathing place in Norfolk, for the benefit of his health. 
He had for some time laboured under an affection of the lungs, 
which no change of air or power of medicine had hitherto succeed- 
ed in removing ; though he experienced a temporary revival of 
strength and spirits by his excursion, and returned home with im- 
proved health. 

But the scenes of his former afflictions renewed the depression 
of his spirits. Amidst the affectionate welcomes of his lamily, he 
seemed to feel yet more keenly the absence of his departed son. He 
would say, " No time nor succession of events can wean my affec- 
tions from the chancel vault." Though increased tenderness 
marked his intercourse with his remaining children, his heart still 
wept over his beloved Wilberforce. There was a visible change 
in his appearance, and his family felt cause for alarm. He said 
little, but his mind seemed to be greatly exercised. He sometimes 
repaired to the grave of his son ; remaining long, absorbed in his 
own reflections. The silence and solitude of this hallowed spot 
soothed and comforted his mind; "the waters of healing issued 
from the sanctuary," and he probably delighted to contemplate the 
blessedness of the eternal world, in such immediate connexion with 
his own dear child. On one occasion, accompanied by his daugh- 
ter, he sat nearly an hour in deep musing, without lifting his eyes 
from the stone that covered the beloved remains. At length rising, 
he exclaimed — " Thanks be to God which giveth us the victory, 
through our Lord Jesus Christ !" 

The writer of this Memoir was requested by his family to con- 
verse with him on the subject of his sorrows. After a few ex- 
pressions of cordial sympathy, " My dear friend," I said, " you are 
indulging a grief beyond its proper bounds, and consuming all your 
strength; you will unfit yourself both for present and future use- 
fulness. You are in danger of forgetting the living, by a mournful 
recollection of the dead. God acts as a sovereign ; he claims no- 
thing but what is his own. You are still surrounded by many 
mercies. The past dispensation has been peculiarly blest to your 



REV. LEGH RICHMOND. 319 

own family. You have another son, who will occupy, both in 
your heart and in the church of God, the place that is now made 
void. Your parish loves you ; the cause of God prospers beyond 
former precedent ; you have gained more than you have lost, and 
your child is in glory — would you wish to call him back again ?" 

"All is well," he replied, "as it relates to these things; but 
there are times when we are led deeply to consider, not merely 
the trial itself under which we labour, but how far it has aubwered 
its appointed end. Whether it is sanctified to our own souls ; — what 
is the reality of our own hope ;— the foundation on which we our- 
selves stand ;— the evidences of a renewed mind ;— and whether we 
can appeal to the great Searcher of hearts, that all is right within." 

" But you have this hope," I said ; " why then does it not sup- 
port you with its consolations ?" 

" God," he answered, " is sifting me ; he is weighing me in the 
balance of the sanctuary. I have been preaching all my life to 
others — how far am I myself interested in these great truths? Yes, 
God is searching me, and proving me, and seeing if there be any 
wicked way in me." 

" He will do more," I said, " than this — he will lead you in the 
way everlasting." 

" God grant it," he replied ; " God grant 1 may have as assured a 
hope for myself, as I have for my beloved child." 

The tears flowed down his cheeks during these few remarks, and 
his whole manner evinced the inward conflict and agitation of his 
mind. 

The following interesting meditation, which was written in the 
privacy of his study, to which he was confined by indisposition, 
will further disclose the state of his feelings: — 

" I am this day staying at home, during divine service m the af- 
ternoon, owing to a cold — Mr. Ayre being here to assist me. The 
last Sunday afternoon on which I was similarly detained, was in 
December, 1824, with my dear Wilberforce; he was then within a 
few weeks of his decease. This day twelvemonth was the day 
preceding his death. 

^' Dear, blessed boy ! in the midst of our daily domestic cheer- 
fulness of spirits, how my heart moans and mourns in tenderest re- 
collections! I see the dear child in all his debilities of body; I hear 
him speak— I retrace the look of hiseye~I hang upon his spiritual 
language — his affectionate expressions — his devotedness to God — 
his faithful admonitions — his languid frame— hi5 swrri counte- 
nance — his willingness to die. 



320 MEMOIRS OF THE 

" I lament my own want of more feeling; and yet I feel much, 

blessed God ! help me !— strengthen me !— save me ! Make his 
death to be a source of life to me. through the death of Christ — 
sanctifying his memory to my soul ! I want to see more deep and 
solemn seriousness amongst my children at this time ; and yet I 
know they are not deficient in much good feeling on this subject. 
Lord, help, bless, and save them also ! 

" My Nugent, too, is since gone — or rather, I have since heard it ; 
for he died some months before his brother, little as we apprehend- 
ed it, when Wilberforce was so beautifully speaking about him, a 
few days previous to his own death. 

"Oh, my dear boys ! your memorials are most dear to my soul! 

" I tremble when I think how poorly I have profited by these 
parental warnings ; yet I take some encouragement from the feel- 
ings which I am conscious I retain. Lord, increase their influence ! 
In the midst of life I am in death. Who may be taken away next ? 

1 sometimes have fearful forebodings — I look around my beloved 
little circle, and sigh. I check these feelings again, and am asha- 
med of my weakness. Lord, make Christ to be every thing to me 
— and then all will, all must be well. Oh ! keep my Fanny in a 
serious frame. Let her not forget her past impressions ! Bless 
my Henry, and preserve him in a steady mind, untainted by levi- 
ties ! Cherish my poor Legh, and let not my good hopes concern- 
ing him be blighted ! Bless the little ones, and make them thine 
own for ever ! 

" Pardon my weakness, O God I and bless this whole meditation 
to my own soul ! 

«L, R» 

»' Turvey, Sunday^ Jan, Ihth, 1827." 



CHAPTER XVI 

Closing Scene — Funeral — Remarks on his character, <f*c. 

We are, now drawing to the close of the life and ministry of this 
excellent man, whose labours were singularly attended with the 
blessing of God to the end. The last two Sundays on which he 
preached were in the beginning of March, 1827. On the former of 
these occasions, a person attended the church, who, having taken 



REV. LEGH RICHMOND. 321 

some offence, had secretly made a rash resolve never to enter it. 
He was both thoughtless and dissolute, and a bitter persecutor of 
religion in those who professed it ; but on this day was constrained 
by circumstances that need not be mentioned, to alter his determi- 
nation. The text of the sermon was taken from Psalms li. 10. 
^' Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within 
me." Sharper than a two-edged sword is the word of God : and in 
its apphcation by the power of the Spirit to this poor man, it proved 
" to be the hammer that breaketh the rock in pieces." He con- 
fessed that immediately on his return home, he fell for the first time 
on his knees, and with crying and tears poured forth the strong emo- 
tion of his heart in the language of the publican, " God be merciful 
to me a sinner." 

Should this record meet the eye or the ear of the individual so 
deeply interested in it, we would remind him of that hour of di- 
vine mercy, and of the day when he bore to the grave the body of 
him whose dying lips had conveyed the message of hfe to his soul. 
We would remind him of his bitter anguish, when he descended the 
vault, and knelt, weeping, beside the coffin. We would exhort him 
to cleave with full purpose of heart to the Lord, and to continue 
faithful unto death ; that in the day of Christ's appearing, he may 
be found among those who will be the crown and joy of him whose 
loss he now deplores. 

The next Sunday, Mr. Richmond's sermons were particularly 
solemn. In the morning, he preached from Col, iii. 2. " Set your 
affections on things above." And this address was directed to the 
true disciple, for his comfort and confirmation. In the afternoon, 
he preached from Psalm cxix. 52, 53. " I remember thy judg- 
ments of old, O Lord, and have comforted myself Horror hath 
taken hold upon me, because of the wicked that forsake thy law." 
This sermon was an awful and solemn appeal to the consciences 
of unawakened sinners. It was remarked by a person going out 
of church, " this sounds as if it came from the lips of a dying 
man." 

From this time, the disorder of Mr. Richmond visibly increased : 
He caught a fresh cold, and could only speak in a whisper. Il was, 
nevertheless, with some difficulty that he was restrained from be- 
ing carried to the church ; but he never more left his house, and 
soon become sensible that his beloved flock would " see his face no 
more." A gloom of sorrow overspread the parish, and "prayer 
was made without ceasing of the church unto God," lor his re- 
covery. But the time was come when he was to enter into his 



322 MEMOIRS OF THE 

rest. Few of his brethren had the privilege of conversing with at 
this time, and the editor being abroad, on account of his own 
health, had no opportunity of any personal interview, during the 
season of his final illness. The last interview which he enjoyed 
with his esteemed friend, was in the preceding autumn. Little 
did he think, at that time, that they parted to meet no more ! The 
following letters supply the most ample and interesting details on 
the closing scene of life. 

" My dear Friend, 
" I unite with you and the neighbourhood, in deeply lament- 
ing the decease of our much-valued friend, the late Mr. Richmond. 
Every day and occasion will remind us of our loss. He was in- 
deed a bond of union in all our meetings, both public and private ; 
we bowed to his authority, for he had an excellent judgment, and 
his fine temper never failed to diffuse a kind and brotherly feeling 
amongst us. It was the spontaneous remark of every one, who 
had any acquaintance with him. ' You have only to know Legh 
Richmond to love him.' 

" My interview with him a few days before his death, concern- 
ing which you desired to be informed, was highly interesting, 
though I have but few particulars to communicate. 

" Mr. Richmond had been declining in health for the last two 
years. A visible alteration took place in him after the death of 
his son Wilberforce. The intensity of his feelings was at all times 
disproportionate to his strength ; and some things, especially his 
dear boy's removal, seemed to lay hold of him with a degree of 
poignancy which he himself, in common with his friends, greatly 
regretted. He felt, and expressed resignation and thankfulness in 
the event ; yet it was evident to us all that his frame had received 
an irreparable injury. 

" His brethren saw little of him during the last few months of 
his life. He continued the regular performance of the duties of his 
parish till within a few weeks of his death, and we did not appre- 
hend that he was so soon to be taken from us. 

''In his confinement, he shrunk from all intercourse beyond the 
circle of his own family. 

" After making repeated inquiries about his state of health, and 
receiving very unsatisfactory answers, I consulted his medical at- 
tendant, whose report determined me to lose no time in seeking 
an interview. Of his spiritual state there could be no doubt ; but 
I thought if, like his family, he felt persuaded of his recovery, it 



REV. LEGH RICHMOND. 323 

might be important on many accounts, that he should be apprized 
of his approaching end. 

*• I wished, among other things, to induce him to use his influ- 
ence with the patron of the living in the appointment of a suitable 
successor. We had a conversation of some length on this subject, 
and which I regretted, when I perceived how greatly it exhausted 
his weak and shattered frame, and disabled him from entering on 
matters of still deeper interest. I was anxious to hear his dying 
testimony to the great truths he had so long taught, and so striking- 
ly exemplified by a consistent and holy conduct. The idea, too, 
that a friendship which had suffered no interruption for more than 
twenty years, endeared by the remembrance of his judicious advice 
and affectionate sympathy in my hours of trial and affliction, was 
soon to be dissolved, gave a solemn and affecting interest to this in- 
terview, and I longed to express my gratitude, as well as to be 
quickened and confirmed by his dying counsels. 

" An opportunity offered, and I said, ' Dear brother, I owe you 
much love, and am pained to be the messenger of evil tidings. 
Still I cannot think it right to withhold from you my apprehen- 
sion of the dangerous nature of your disease.' ' I know it, bro- 
ther,' he replied ; ' seven months ago I was well satisfied from 
whence this cough came ; that it was a messenger from above. I 
knew what it meant — but I cannot talk : F--, do you talk.' 

" I had scarcely resumed the conversation, with a remark on the 
immense value and importance of our principles, when he raised 
himself upright in his chair, and with great solemnity of manner, 
said, ' Brother, we are only half awake — we are none of us more 
than half awake.' He seemed unable to proceed, for his feeble- 
ness was extreme, and to relieve him I began again ; but he made 
another effort. ' The enemy, as our poor people would say, has 
been very busy with me. I have been in great darkness — a strange 
thought has passed through my mind— it is all delusion. Brother, 
brother, strong evidences, nothing but strong evidences, will do at 
such an hour as this. I have looked here and looked there for 
them — all have failed me — and so I cast myself on the sovereign, 
free, and full grace of God in the covenant by Christ Jesus ; and 
there, brother, (looking at me with a smile of tranquillity quite 
indescribable, and which I shall never forget,) there I have found 
peace.' 

•'I could utter nothing in reply. My heart was quite full. I 
grasped his hand and left him, with a promise of a speedy return, 
musing on the similarity of his experience with that expressed by 



324 MEMOIRS OF THE 

Hooker, a favourite with us both. ' To name merits^ then, is to 
lay their souls upon the rack, the memory of their own deeds is 
loathsome to them, they forsake all things icherein they have 
put any trust or confidence — no staff to lean upon, no ease, no 
rest, no comfort then, hut only in Jesus Christ.'^^ 

^' There are, doubtless, many persons who would feel surprise at 
the particulars which I have related, and might even be disposed 
to ascribe our dear friend's distresb of mind to a cause very remote 
from the truth Those who know nothing of indwelling sin, 
whose standard is low, and whose apprehension of the law of God 
is far from spiritual, cannot possibly enter into the feelings of man, 

* who evil felt within, 
And when he felt it, heaved a sigh, 
%.1nd loathed the thought of sin.' 

" To me it appears that our frier^d's dispensation was peculiarly 
fitted to preserve him from those feelings of self-complacency to 
which his extensive usefulness, and the singular honour which God 
had put on his ministry, would not fail to expose him. ' I never 
knew,' said the late Mr. R. of York, ' more than one person who 
was not injured by success.' Therefore, we may esteem every dis- 
pensation merciful, however painful, which teaches the salutary 
lesson, ' Let no man glory in men, but he that glorieth, let him 
glory m the Lord.' 

" A conversation I had with Mrs. Richmond, after her husband's 
decease, confirmed my views on this subject. When I told her 
what had passed between us, she said, ' I can explain the meaning 
of these conflicts. I had latterly often observed my beloved hus- 
band in deep thought. He seemed to be very low and cheerless. 
I pressed him to unbosom his feelings, that I might share his sor- 
rows and sympathise with him. For a long time he was unwilling 
to enter on the subject, and usually replied, 'nothing, love, 
nothing.' But at last he told me that strange thoughts had been 
suggested to his mind, such as had never entered it in his hours 
of health — thoughts of his extensive usefulness in the church of 
God. He said he knew them to be suggestions of Satan, but that 
they overwhelmed him with deep and bitter anguish. Pride, pride, 
hateful thing !' 

"Another idea has occurred to me with respect to this trial of 
our dear friend. He had insisted much upon the free and full 
sufficiency of the dispensation of grace to meet man's extremity. 

♦ Hooker, in his Sermon on Justification. 



REV. LEGH RICHMOiND. 326 

His darkness and distress of mind, as well as the support he found 
in his own principles, seemed to me a practical illustration of the 
grand doctpne of the cross. It was for him to prove the reality of 
what he taught. In Christ every thing — out of him nothing. 
He became an example, as he had been a preacher, of the righte- 
ousness of faith. God humbled his servant, magnified the riches 
of his own grace, and made him a pattern to us all, of the neces- 
sity and sufficiency of trust in Christ alone, 

''But after all, there is much truth in John Newton's remark; 
' tell me not how a man died, but how he lived.' The weakness 
of a dying hour, and the ravages of disease, may cloud the mind, 
depress the spirits, and disturb the sober exercises of the judgment. 
One thing, however, my dear friend, is evident ; it becomes us ' to 
set our house in order,' before the approach of this trying hour. 
At that time we should have nothing to settle with God. It is not 
a season to begin to turn to Christ, when we cannot turn in our 
bed. May the thought be ever present to our recollection, ' we are 
only half awake.' The removal of our dear brother is a loud call 
to us to trim our lamps, and ' wait for our Lord,' that when he 
Cometh and knocketh, we may open to him immediately. 

" Believe me, my dear friend, I am yours, very faithfully, though 
most unworthily, 

" T. F." 

Letter to Mrs. F , in reference to Mr. Richmond's decease. 

" My dear Mrs. F , 

" You wish me to give you an account of the closing scene of 
my beloved parent's life. This will be attended with some difficul- 
ty ; for though I was his friend as well as his child, and the en- 
deared companion of his retired hours — and though many events 
and conversations, full of deep and affecting interest, are indelibly 
engraved on my memory, yet as I did not anticipate the mournful 
bereavement, and omitted to make memoranda at the time, I find 
now that much of the detail is irrevocably lost, and I should be 
afraid to write any thing which was not strictly and literally true. 

" Yet the recollection of hours spent in my beloved father's stu- 
dy, which was indeed a hallowed sanctuary of devotion, keeps ali\ e 
in my mind an abiding conviction of the reality and hapi)iness of 
experimental closet religion. When I feel worldly influence steal- 
ing on me, and, consequently, religio\is duties losing their glow 
of interest, I have but to think of niv departed parent, and of past 

28 



326 MEMOIRS OF THE 

times, and my heart is again warmed, a new energy in the spiritual 
life seems imparted, and thus my soul does indeed realize that ' the 
memory of the just is blessed.' % 

^' I cannot express the veneration and love with which he was 
regarded by every one of his children. With an understanding 
of the very first order, a mmd elegantly refined and polished, and 
feelings of the most delicate susceptibility, he had a heart overflow- 
ing with intense affection towards each of them, which was shown 
by daily and hourly attentions of the most winning nature ; and 
they found in him not only a counsellor and instructor, but a com- 
panion and bosom friend. They clung to him, indeed, with an al- 
most idolatrous fondness. Each of my brothers and sisters will 
agree with me in the sentiment of dear Wilberforce, (it was one of 
my brother's remarks, a little before he closed his eyes upon his 
weeping parent,) ' when my heart feels too cold to thank God for 
any thing else, it can thank him for giving me such a father.' He 
was the spiritual as well as the natural father of that dear boy, and, 
I trust, others of his children are thus bound to him by a tie strong 
and lasting as eternity itself. Surely the world does not contain a 
spot of more sweet and uninterrupted domestic happiness than 
Turvey rectory presented, before death entered that peaceful 
dwelling. It was ever the first wish of my beloved father, that our 
home should be happy ; and he was never so pleased as when we 
were all sitting around him. Both in our childhood and youth, 
every innocent pleasure was resorted to, and all his varied attain- 
ments brought into exercise, to instruct and amuse us. He was 
the sun of our little system, and from him seemed to be derived the 
light and glow of domestic happiness. Like the disciple, whose 
loving spirit I have often thought my dear father's resembled, his 
motto was, ' little children, love one another;' and he taught this 
more effectually by sympathy than even by precept. Religion was 
unfolded to us in its most attractive form. We saw that it was a 
happy thing to be a Christian. He was exempt from gloom and 
melancholy, and entered with life and cheerfulness into all our 
sports. 

" But we should not have been thus happy in domestic affection, 
had not our beloved ftither so carefully trained us in the religion 
of Jesus Christ. This was his chief concern, his h-ourly endeavour. 
He did not talk much with us about religion ; but the books, stu- 
dies, and even amusements to which he directed us, showed that 
God was in all his thoughts, and that his great aim was to prepare 
his children for heaven. Religion was practically taught in all he 



s REV. LEGH RICHMOND. 327 

said and did, and recommended to us, in his lovely, domestic cha- 
racter, more powerfully than in any other way. He had a thou- 
sand winning ways to lead our infant minds to God, and explain to 
us the love of the Saviour to little children. It was then our first 
impressions were received ; and though for a time they were ob- 
scured by youthful vanities, they were never totally erased ; he 
lived to see them, in some instances, ripened into true conversion. 
It was his custom, when we were very young, to pray with us 
alone : he used to take us by turns into his study ; and memory 
still recalls the simple language and affecting earnestness with 
which he pleaded for the conversion of his child. I used to weep 
because he wept, though I understood and felt little of his mean- 
ing ; but I saw it was all love, and thus my earliest impression wa-s 
associated with the idea, that it was religion which made him 
love us so tenderly, and that prayer was an expression of that love. 
I was led, in this way, to pray for those who were kind to me, as 
dear papa did. 

" In conversation, he did not often urge the subject of religion 
directly on our attention, or question us much as to our personal 
experience of it. He has sometimes regretted this, and called it 
his infirmity ; but I think he adopted a more successful plan. He 
used to watch over us most cautiously, and express his opinion in 
writing': we constantly found letters left in our rooms, with direc- 
tions to think and pray over them. Reproof was always conveyed 
in this way ; and he also took the same method of questioning us 
on experimental religion, and of beseeching us to become more 
decided for God. Sometimes he required an answer, but general- 
ly his only request was, that we would ' spread his letter before 
the Lord, and think over it.' 

" His reproofs were inexpressibly tender. He was never angry 
with us ; but when we displeased him, he shewed it by such a sad 
and mournful countenance, that it touched us to the very heart, 
and produced more effect than any punishment could have done, 
for we saw that it was our dear father who suffered the most. In 
this way he gained such an ascendancy over our affections, that 
none of his children could feel happy if his smile was withdrawn, 
and all regarded that smile as a rich reward. 

"The anniversaries of our birth- days were always seasons of 
festivity amongst us. We were generally awakened with his 
congratulations and blessing. 'He rose up early in the morning, 
and offered sacrifice, according to the number of them all : thus did 



328 MEMOIRS OF THE 

he continuariy.' * I love to recall those happy and innocent days 
when our dear father, even in our childish sports, was the main- 
spring of our joys, and the contriver of every amusement. We 
always found a birth-day present for us, often accompanied by an 
affectionate note. 

" Though my dear father was naturally playful and lively, his 
spirits were easily depressed; and they appeared to undergo a con- 
siderable change subsequent to the summer of 1824, the period at 
which Wilberforce's health began to decline; Wilberforce was 
most tenderly endeared to him ; and there was a strong affinity in 
their characters. He was just beginning to unfold a very fine un- 
derstanding, and his intellectual attainments were certainly supe- 
rior for his age. His mind had been cultivated with much care ; 
and the same elegance of taste and delicacy of feeling, so promi- 
nent in my father's character, seemed likewise to mark that of his 
cherished boy. He manifested the same inclination to the studies 
of natural philosophy ; and wlien the school lessons were finished, 
they were constantly engaged together in tliese pursuits. While the 
other bo 5^s were at play, Wilberforce generally occupied himself in 
reading in the study, and trying experiments, &c. Mineralogy, in par- 
ticular, was a favourite science in both ; and in each instance it begui- 
led the hours of declining health. Papa used to amuse himself with 
his minerals, when all his other scientific pursuits failed to interest 
him: and poor Willy found the same pleasure in this study; for 
within a few days of his death, he was searching to see how many 
different kinds of stones might be enumerated. He had never been 
absent from home, but was brought up under the immediate eye of 
his parent, and watched with ceaseless care. He was now prepa- 
ring for college, and sanguine in the hope that he might distinguish 
himself; and his father was looking forward with deep interest to 
this period. 

" In the summer of 1824, my brother ruptured a blood-vessel, 
and began to spit blood. My dear father discovered great anxiety 
and alarm, though we did not, for a long time, know how deeply' 
he was affected. He afterwards told mama, that on that morning, 
as he looked on Wilberforce, he felt a shock which seemed to shat- 
ter him to the very soul, and from which he never after recovered. 
He did, indeed, to use his own words, ' roll the troublous calamity 
on God,' but nature sunk under the stroke. 

" In June, 1824, he took a journey to Scotland, to place Wilber- 

* Job i. 5. 



REV. LEGH RICHMOND. 329 

force under the care of Dr. Stewart. I was their companion in 
that journey, which I have a mournful pleasure in retracing. 

" It was very pleasant to travel with my father, he had such an 
exquisite perception of the beauties of nature ; and every object of 
interest was pointed out to us with his own elegant and devotional 
associations. Often has he wandered on through the fine scenes 
of Scotland, both by day -light and moon-light, with poor Willy and 
myself at his side ; and we have sat down together on the sea- 
shore, or by the hedge-side, while he showed us the image of the 
Deity in the beauty of his works ; and whether he was contempla- 
ting the simple wild-flower or the resplendent firmament, he would 
point to the hand of Omnipotence in both. But his enjoyments at 
this time greatly depended upon his dear boy's being able to parti- 
cipate in them: if Willy drooped, his spirits were gone, and na- 
ture lost its power to charm. I think he was gradually declining 
in his own health, though he did not complain. He was watching 
the decay of his beloved son, while his own frame was giving 
way. 

" We returned home in Octaber, with no material benefit to our 
dear invalid : and in January, 1825, after a happy and even trium- 
phant experience of the power of religion, my brother breathed 
his last gentle sigh in the arms of his afflicted father, who had been, 
in God's hands, his sole teacher, comforter, and supporter. He 
was ever at the dying pillow of his suffering child, reading, praying, 
and comforting him, by day and by night. Before us, he appeared 
composed and tranquil ; but in his retired moments, I have heard 
him give vent to his feelings, with strong 'crying and tears.' I re- 
member, on the evening of Wilberforce's death, after he had yield- 
ed to the first burst of grief, he clasped the inanimate form to his 
heart, laid it down, dried his tears, and collecting us together in the 
study, he knelt down, and uttered only the language of praise and 
gratitude. For a little moment he seemed not only to follow, but 
to realize his child's flight and welcome to the realms of glory. 
His whole conduct seemed to express, ' though I should see his 
hand lifted to slay me, yet from that same hand will I look for sal- 
vation.' 

"He was much comforted, at this time, in his parish, and in liis 
own family. In the parish, there appeared to be a remarkable re- 
vival of religion, particularly among the young people. It might 
be truly said, ' there were added to the church daily, such as should 
be saved.' This dear boy's death appeared to be the life of many 

28* 



330 MEMOIRS OF THE 

souls ; and, in my dear father's own language, ' they were the spi- 
ritual roses, blooming around the grave of his Willy.' 

" At this time, his character as a parish priest shone forth most 
eminently. He was singularly blessed among his flock. His heart 
was always in his work ; but more particularly did he now preach 
the word, in season and out of season ; ' reproving, rebuking, ex- 
horting, with all long-suffering and doctrine.' An increase of re- 
ligious inquiry and anxiety among his people produced a corres- 
ponding increase of visiting and teaching on his part. He regu- 
larly met a party of his pious poor at a neighbouring cottage, on 
Tuesdays ; frequently a dilfferent set on Thursdays ; and on Sun- 
day nights, after his fatiguing duties in the church, he met those 
who had been newly awakened to spiritual life. His heart seemed 
particularly interested in this last little party, which he used to 
call his ' spiritual nm^sery? I have looked at him with astonish- 
ment, when he came to us on Sunday nights. Unceasingly occu- 
pied, from ten in the morning till ten at night, he met us with his 
usual cheerfulness, and entered into animated and interesting con- 
versation, as if no fatigue was felt. On Sunday evenings, after 
the administration of the sacrament, he met the communicants. 
On these occasions, he w^as happy in being surrounded by his spi- 
ritual children, dearly beloved by him, and, on the whole^ he could 
look on them with approbation and confidence, as his ' glory and 
joy.' He was earnest in enforcing upon them consistency of cha- 
racter, and uprightness in temporal affairs : anxious that the ene- 
mies of true religion should have no cause to blaspheme from 
the" inconsistencies of its professors, but that his people should 
adorn the doctrine of God their Saviour, and put to silence the ig- 
norance of foolish men ; showing, that the doctrines of grace are 
the doctrines of holiness. 

" But not in his parish alone was the death of his beloved son 
rendered singularly useful ; his heart was yet more comforted by 
the hope of solid benefit to his own family. The seed which had 
been sown with many prayers, and watered with many tears, though 
it had hitherto lain dormant, began at this time to spring up to the 
consolation of his bereaved heart. With unspeakable tenderness 
he watched over the signs of religious anxiety in his children, 
weeping over them and praying for them with the most vehement 
affection. 

" It was a few days after Willy's death, that my own mind was 
in a state of agitating anxiety — thirsting for the knowledge of God 
and his holiness, yet feeling so ignorant, dark, and helpless, that I 



REV. LEGH RICHMOND. 331 

k}iew not where to look for encouragement or assistance. My ig- 
norance was my great burden. I felt as if I never could under- 
stand religion, and with these feelings I went into the study, 
w^here I found my beloved parent in deep meditation. He seemed 
to perceive at one glance what was the matter. In his engaging 
manner he took me on his knee, and folding me to his heart, beg- 
ged me to tell him all I felt. This was the first time I had opened 
my mind to him on the subject of religion. I tried to tell him my 
feelings^ dwelling particularly on my ignorance and total blindness 
in spiritual things. With striking humility and condescension, he 
replied, 'Well, my dear child, we will begin religion together. 
We will set out in the first step, for I have as much need as you 
to begin all again. W^e must go to Jesus Christ to be set right. 
We will ask to be taught the first lesson in his religion, and wait 
m the ignorance of babes for his instruction.' 

" In the following winter, my dear father's failing spirits sus- 
tained another severe shock. We were expecting every week 
our eldest brother from India. He left home at the age of fifteen, 
and eleven years had now elapsed since his father had seen him. 
Many singular and affecting circumstances had occurred during 
this interval. He was thrice shipwrecked ; and on one occasion, 
with only a few others, he got safe to shore. In his early youth 
he had been a source of much sorrow to his parents, but in a far 
distant land his heart was turned to the God of his father ; and we 
received the most satisfactory testimonies to his conversion. 

" My father's sensitive feelings were strained to the highest pitch 
in expectation of meeting his dear sailor-boy, who was on his re- 
turn to visit us ; and he was preparing to welcome the ' son who 
was lost and is found, was dead and is alive again,' when the 
mournful tidings of his death reached us. 

" Both the mind and body of my dear father were shattered by 
this intelligence. But though suffering most acutely, he was, as 
in the former bereavement, the comforter and stay of his family ; 
concealing his own feelings to mitigate theirs. 

" He used to be much at home at this time, communing with his 
own heart, in his chamber, in silence: and no doubt it was liis fer- 
vent and frequent devotion which strengtliened and enabled liim 
'to comfort those who were in trouble, by the comfort wherewith 
he himself was comforted of God.' 

" He had shut himself up for six weeks, and never appeared in 
public, except on the Sunday ; but wlieii he lieard of the anxiety 
of the people to see him, and share the sorrows of their beloved 



332 MEMOIRS OF THE 

pastor, he desired them to assemble in the school-room ; and he 
went there to meet them. It was evidently too trying and exci- 
ting for his weak frame. For some time he could not speak; but 
when he recovered himself, his address was inexpressibly touch- 
ing, and yet comforting. The people wept with him, and felt his 
sorrows as their own. He told them, that, conscious of their inte- 
rest in him, and of their anxiety to know his state of mind under 
this afflicting rod, he had come on purpose to tell them what God 
could do for the soul that looked to him for help ; that they might 
magnify the Lord with him, and exalt his name together. He 
said, that while he had been shut up in the solitude of his study, 
for the last six weeks, in silent communing with God, he had learnt 
to feel, ' it is good for me that I have been afflicted'— that the ex- 
perience of his soul during that trying season had been, ' in the 
multitude of my thoughts within me, tliy comforts have refreshed 
my soul.' 

" He then expounded the 107th Psalm, with reference to poor 
Nugent's case ; and expressed himself with more than ordinary 
energy and freedom. He had been tried, but he came forth as 
gold. His heavenly Father seemed to say to him, ' My son, give 
me thine heart ;' and the answer of his soul was — ' There is none 
upon earth I desire in comparison of thee.' While fainting beneath 
the heavy load of suffering, he tried to say, like his blessed Master, 
' the cup which my Father hath given me, shall I not drink it?' 

" He now resumed his usual cottage meetings ; and though his 
constitution was evidently sinking, and he was labouring far be- 
yond his strength, he could not be persuaded to relax or lessen any 
of his pastoral engagements. We earnestly requested him to re- 
tire for a season from his duties; but, contrary to his usual yield- 
ing temper, he remained inflexible ; adding, either ^ it does not in- 
jure me;' or, ' I shall suffer more in my mind, by giving them up, 
than in my body, by attending to them.' The last year of his life 
he had a constant irritating cough, which finally settled upon his 
lungs, and was no doubt much increased by such frequent talking 
and exposure to the night air. 

" I was his constant companion in his visits to the cottages; and 
he often looked so worn and fatigued, and his spirits sometimes 
so much affected, apparently with thoughts which he did not ex- 
press, that I have turned away to weep, and felt undefinable sensa- 
tions of dread, as the idea crossed my mind, that he was medita- 
ting on the final separation. 

" His public discourses at this time were particularly awaken- 



REV. LEGH RICHMOND. 333 

ing, as well as confirming. While he warned his flock, with deep 
solemnity, ' lest any man fail of the grace of God,' he enlarged on 
the divine promises, the glory of the Saviour, and the blessedness 
of the redeemed. A poor woman remarked to me — 'Your dear 
papa preaches as if he was near home.' 

" What he was in his family during the two last years of his 
life, my pen can but faintly describe. Since Nugent's and Vv^illy's 
death, his affections were more concentrated on those who were 
left ; and he had also a more endearing tie, for he could now look on 
some of his family as his spiritual children. In conversation and 
reading, he could find companions in them. Very pleasant is the 
recollection of the happy and profitable hours spent in my father's 
study. He used to awake me at six o'clock every morning, and I read 
to him till breakfast. He was fond of this early hour, and kept up 
the plan even through the last winter. But it was injurious to 
him; for when his cough was bad, and his health sinking daily, he 
would still rise before the servants were up, call me and my brothers, 
and then light his own fire, that all might be ready for the reading 
to commence. He made many valuable remarks as we went on. 
The last winter months, he wished me to read to him the Crip- 
plegate Lectures. Archbishop Leighton, who was a particular fa- 
vourite with him, was the last author we read together. Sacred 
is the memory of those hours : his health was declining, but his 
soul was ripening for glory ; and while listening with interest to 
the deep experience and triumphant victories of these holy men, 
he was probably anticipating the near approach of that time when 
he should join their company. 

" His mind was often for days peaceful and tranquil. At such times 
he never spoke of Wilberforce's death, but in terms of gratitude and 
praise for his happy end: but at other times, the vivid remem- 
brance of his bereavements seemed to overwhelm him, and to occa- 
sion new conflicts. I have heard his convulsive sobs and his heart- 
touching prayers, as I sat in the room beneath the study. I re- 
member on one day in particular, he had been a long time alone, 
wishing to be undisturbed; and when I went to him, I found him 
in deep sorrow. Willy's papers were lying before him, and he 
appeared in great agitation of mind. In what followed, I was 
struck with the deep humility of his feelings. He said, ' it was 
not unmingled grief for Wilberforce which was then uppermost; 
he knew he was safe in heaven, and that to him death had been 
victory: but that the thought painfully harassed him— shall /over 
meet him in heaven ? shall / indeed ever get there ? Friends try 



334 



MEMOIRS OF THE |( 



to comfort me, by saying, (as if they took it for granted,) that sor- 
row is unnecessary ; for the separation is very short, and we shall 
soon meet again in heaven. But, alas ! there is that inward 
consciousness of sin, and that perplexing conflict, that / can- 
not take it for granted ; and the thought is now sinking me in the 
very dust, shall I indeed meet him in heaven ? — am I sure eternity 
will unite us ? And I often shudder, and fall down confounded, at 
the possibility that, after all, I may come short, and our separation 
be eternal ! ' 

'^ This was an affecting and important lesson. I saw that the 
most holy and established Christian is still a sinner, and feels him- 
self such ; that however high his spiritual attainments in this life, 
the flesh still weighs down the spirit. I had heard and^seen my 
dear father so strong in faith, that heaven seemed realized, and 
victory obtained ; and I fancied he could never have a doubt of 
his salvation. But I found that the father in Christ could weep 
and tremble like the babe, because of the sin that dwelleth in him. 

'^My dear father's cough continued, and he became very thin; 
and every one remarked how ill he looked. But he appeared not 
to notice it, and we thought he did not apprehend danger : we 
have since found that we were mistaken, and that he ' always 
looked on the cough as a summons from above.' He abated nothing 
of his work, and still continued his visits to the poor. It was in 
the cottage of sorrow, and by the bed of the dying, that my be- 
loved parent's character appeared the brightest. He was the father 
as well as the minister of his people ; and they brought all their 
difficulties and troubles to him, and ever found in him a tender and 
judicious adviser. He had particular pleasure in conversing with 
the pious poor, and said he had learnt some of his best lessons from 
them ; that the religion of the poor in general was more spiritual 
and sincere than that of the rich ; that they lived more simply the 
life of faith on the Son of God. I have seen my beloved father 
in public, when the gaze of admiration was fixed on him, and in 
the private drawing-room I have beheld him the delight and enter- 
tainment of the company, and my heart has exulted in him ; but 
it was w^hen smoothing the pillow of poverty and death, that I 
most loved and venerated him, and discovered the image of that 
Saviour 'who went about doing good.' 

" In the month of February he went to Cambridge for a fort- 
night, to enter Henry. This was another subject of great anxiety 
to his mind: he dreaded the temptations of a college life ; and ex- 
pressed much solicitude lest his dear inexperienced boy should be 
corrupted, and his religion injured. 



REV. LEGH RICHMOND. 335 

•*When he returned from Cambridgej we thought he looked 
better. He had been among friends he loved, and he derived 
great pleasure from his visit, and appeared more cheerful and 
Hvely than we had known him for the last two years. He entered 
into conversation with spirit, and even amused and entertained us 
in his engaging manner. We spent one week with him in this 
improved state of health and spirits ; but he soon relapsed into his 
former thoughtful silence. The next week he caught a fresh cold, 
and his cough returned with greater violence ; yet he would have 
preached on the following Sunday, if his voice had. not entirely 
failed him. I do not think he imagined that he had seen his people 
for the last time, but that he anticipated a temporary amendment, 
sufficient to enable him to go amongst them again. But his 
ministry was closed : and he was to meet them no more till they 
met at the judgment seat of Christ ! 

'' To prevent increase of cold, he kept entirely to his study, and 
never came down stairs after that Sunday ; yet he read and wrote 
as usual. 

"It may seem extraordinary that he never spoke to us on the 
subject of his death, but those can understand it who knew the 
exquisite tenderness and susceptibility of his feelings. His affec- 
tion indeed was almost his affliction. He could not bear to wit- 
ness the sorrow which v/ould have filled our hearts in the certain 
and near prospect of separation. He wished us, I think, to under- 
stand his situation and to observe in^silence. 

" There were no violent symptoms to mark the approach of 
death, but a gradual decay of strength. He sat with us as usual 
in his study-chair to the very last day — almost to the last hour. I 
recollect many things which I did not then understand, but which 
now shew me that he was preparing for death : with surprising 
calmness he set his house in order. He made a catalogue of his 
principal books, with memoranda how they were to be disposed of; 
also of his minerals and philosophical apparatus ; he emptied all 
the cupboards round the room, which had not been done for many 
years ; he burnt every book which he thought of an injurious ten- 
dency. All this was done for the most part in silence, it being 
painful for him to speak, even in a whisper. I have seen him sit 
for an hour together in the deepest abstraction of thought — then he 
would raise his eyes, the tears streaming down his pale cheeks, 
clasping his hands, as if in the fervency of importunate prayer — 
and again all was composure, and he looked peaceful and happy. 
He seemed to be maintaining a constant communion with God. l 



336 MEMOIRS OF THE 

know he felt deeply for his children, whom he was about to leave 
young and inexperienced — exposed lo a world of sin and tempta- 
tion. My brother and I have frequently heard him break forth in 
prayer for us when we had scarcely closed his door. The sounds 
were faint and broken, but we understood their import ; and the un- 
utterable tenderness of his manner towards us is even now too affect- 
ing to dwell upon. He would sometimes open his arms for me to 
come to him, and laying his head upon my shoulder, would fall 
again into deep thought. His parish also was always upon his mind. 
He was continually inquiring about the people, and sending me with 
messages to them ; and he listened with much interest to the report 
I made of them. 

" One of his converts, a young girl of nineteen, was at this time 
on the bed of death, and my dear father regretted much he could 
not visit her ; but he was very anxious to comfort and instruct her 
through me. She survived him two months, and died in the same 
peace, perhaps with more triumph. She said, just before her death, 
^she longed yet more for heaven, because her dear minister was 
there to welcome her.' I know that he was full of anxiety for a 
suitable successor, and the idea of his flock being dispersed hung 
heavy upon his spirits. One morning, when I was sitting near 
him, he burst into tears, and said, ' Oh ! my parish ! my poor parish ! 
I feel as if I had done nothing for it, as if it had been so much neg- 
lected. I have not done half that I ought.' It was more than I 
could bear to hear him speak in this way ; for I had seen him in 
weariness, and painfulness, and watching, spending and being spent, 
if by any means he might win souls to Christ. I suggested to him 
his labours, and the singular usefulness of his ministry, especially 
within the last two years : he would still reply, ' nolhanks to me, no 
thanks to me. I see it so different now, as if I had done just nothing. 
I see nothing but neglect, and duties left undone.' I could not help 
reflecting on the different aspect things must have when eternity is 
opening upon us. 

" He was considerably cheered soon after this, by the prospect 
of Mr. H— becoming his curate ; it seemed to revive him ; he lost 
sight of other troubles in the thought that his church would be well 
supplied. 

" He often recurred to Henry's residence at college, and talked 
of his fears for his dear boy till he was quite spent. He would 
say, ' I have seen the ruin of so many promising youths by a col- 
lege life, and those apparently as amiable and pious as my own 
dear child. I know the difficulty of maintaining spiritual religion 



REV. LEGH RICHMOND. S'S7 

at Cambridge. Even studies which are in themselves lawful, and 
which he ought to pursue, have a tendency to weaken piety, 
and interrupt private devotion. Christ has often been crucified 
between classics and mathematics. I wish him to be diligent 
in his 'Studies, but the Bible is the proper library for a young man 
entering into the church. If he does but understand the Bible ex- 
perimentally, I shall be content. Bid him, F — , to be very careful 
of his companions, that they be few, and more advanced in rehgion 
than himself; and particularly that he attends Mr. S — 's ministry. 
It cheers my heart, that there is such a ministry at Cambridge. Be 
sure you talk to him about these things. Warn him of declensions, 
and against sacrificing religion to the desire of distinction. That 
dear boy, and his approaching trials, are never out of my thoughts; 
I think of him by day, and dream of him by night.' 

" We found in his desk a sheet of paper, on which was written 
' Cambridge documents.' These were directions for Henry, but 
not finished. He had often expressed a great desire to see a son 
m the church, ready to take his place. ' If I might but hear a true 
gospel sermon from one of my children, I should die in peace.' 
On another occasion, he expressed great delight that his young 
friend, C. H — , visited the poor, and said, ' you must recommend 
this to Henry, as the very best preparation for the ministry. Try, 
my dear F — . to keep him up to it. Tell him his poor father learnt 
his most valuable lessons for the ministry, and his most useful ex- 
perience in religion, in the poor man's cottage.' 

" The last time he spoke to me on personal religion, he endea- 
voured to establish my mind in the doctrine of assurance, and en- 
larged on its importance, and its tendency to promote both com- 
fort and obedience. He pointed to Archbishop Leighton as my 
pattern : ' See how holily and lovingly that man walked with God. 
because he believed that his salvation was safe and settled, that he 
was chosen in Christ. Try, my dear child, to expand your views; 
look at the magnificent scheme of salvation— the contract between 
the Father and his eternal Son. How much better to look out of 
self, and see all perfected in Christ. You will never be happy and 
strong, till you graSp the covenant plan of redemption. You hve 
upon self too much : you will get misery and despair, but nothing 
else, by looking to yourself. Live upon Christ ; he has done all 
for you, if you could but believe it.' 

'^ Of the last sermons I read to him, one was entitled, ' Hope 
amidst Billows,' the other, ^ The Believer a Hero.' This last I read 
twice to him ; and he expressed much delight in listening to it. It 

29 



338 MEMOIRS OF THE 

seemed to suit the state of his mind, and corresponded with his own 
sentiments. At one part of the sermon he stopped me, that he 
might meditate on what he heard, and then he said, ' Read it again.' 
It seemed to cheer his mind. When I had finished it, ' This,' said 
he, ' exactly expcesses what I would say to you ; that is just m}' 
sentiment ;' and he told me to turn down the leaf, that he might 
show it to mamma. I have copied the passage ; it appears to me 
very beautiful, and is greatly endeared to me, as having comforted 
my dear father a few days only before his death. 

" ' The fear of God is not a perplexing doubting, and distrust of 
his love : on the contrary, it is a fixed resting and trust in his love. 
Many who have some truth of grace,* are, through weakness, filled 
with disquieting fears ; but, possibly, though they perceive it not, it 
may be in some a point of wilfulness, a little latent undiscerned 
affectation of scrupling and doubting, placing much of religion in it. 
True, where the soul is really solicitous about its interest in God, 
that argues some grace ; but being vexingly anxious about it, argues 
that grace is weak and low. A spark there is, even discovered by 
that smoke ; but the great smoke still continuing, and nothing seen 
but it, argues there is little fire, little faith, little love. And this as 
it is unpleasant to thyself, so it is to God, as smoke to the eyes. 
What if one should be always questioning with a friend, whether 
he loved him or not, and upon every little occasion were ready to 
think he doth not, hovv would they disrelish their society together, 
though truly loving each other. The far more excellent way, and 
more pleasing both to ourselves and to God, were to resolve on 
humble trust, reverence, and confidence, being most afraid to offend, 
delighting to walk in his ways, loving him and his will in all ; and 
then resting persuaded of his love, though he chastise us. And 
even though we offend him, and see our offences in our chastise- 
ments, yet he is good, plenteous in redemption, ready to forgive ; 
therefore let Israel hope and trust. Let my soul roll itself on him, 
and adventure there all its weight. He bears greater matters, up- 
holding the frame of heaven and earth, and is not troubled nor 
burdened with it.' 

" Three days after, he asked me to read one of Newton's letters, 
from the volume entitled ' The Aged Pilgrim's Triumph.' He lis- 
tened to me with interest, but did not speak, except to thank me. 

" When his meals were brought to him, he used to clasp his 
wa sted hands, and ask a blessing. ' I thank thee, heavenly Father, 

♦ This is the expression used in the original. It is equivalent to saying — 
»* Many who are not without a measure of true g-race," &c. 



REV. LEGH RICHMOND. 339 

for these undeserved mercies to such an unworthy sinner.' There 
may be nothing more in the words than any other Christian would 
utter ; but the humiUty and reverence of his manner deeply affect- 
ed us. 

" Nearly the whole of Good Friday, he sat in a solemn prayerful 
meditation, with that exquisite print of Guido's before him, the head 
of our Saviour crowned with thorns. His attention seemed rivet- 
ed on it, but he said nothing. 

" On Easter Sunday the sacrament was administered at the church. 
This day he regarded with peculiar reverence, and some new con- 
verts generally partook of the sacred ordinance at this time, whom 
he had been preparing during the past year. The delight with 
which he gave them these emblems of the body and blood of Christ 
was very uncommon. It would cheer his spirits for weeks. This 
was the first Easter Sunday during his residence at Turvey that he 
had been prevented from joining his church, and commemorating 
the resurrection of our blessed Redeemer, and he seemed to feel the 
privation deeply. Before we went to church, he told us to remem- 
ber him at the table, and he would join the communion of the saints 
in his study. He said, ^ I shall look at my watch, and mark the 
exact time, and read the service, that I may be one with you in the 
fellowship of the redeemed.' On our return, we saw the prayer 
book open before him, and he was still intent on the communion 
service. He looked up with great composure in his countenance, 
and said, ' I have followed you in every sentence, and I thint I 
may say, I have indeed been with you, and enjoyed a sweet com- 
munion.' 

" He had a great dislike to keep his bed ; and I cannot but ac- 
knowledge the goodness of God, that it was not necessary. He rose 
every day, to the last, and sat as usual in his study : only getting 
up a little later, and going to bed earlier, as his strength gradually 
failed him. The last fortnight he was very silent, and appeared 
constantly in prayer and meditation — waiting his dismissal, and 
the end of his earthly pilgrimage. At this time, nothing seemed 
to disturb him ; and he appeared to realize the full import of that 
blessed promise, ' Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind 
is stayed on thee.' I have often thought he exemplified the faith 
his favourite Leighton commends — ' Let thy soul roll itself on God, 
and adventure there all its weight.' It was indeed an unspeakable 
delight to us to observe the unruflled calm of his soul ; and it eon- 
firmed our minds in the truth and value of tlic doctrines he liad 
taught for thirty years. Weliad seen our beloved father prostrate 



340 MEMOIRS OF THE 

in soul before God, under a consciousness of indwelling sin ; we 
had heard him bemoaning himself, after a long life of usefulness, 
as an unprofitable servant, renouncing again and again all hope of 
salvation by his own goodness, and fleeing to Jesus as his only re- 
fuge. To use his words to C. H , ' It is only by coming to Christ 

as a little child, and as for the first time, that I can get peace.' Yet 
though for a time perplexed, he was not forsaken. We saw hira 
comforted of God, and proving what he had often said to me — 
' Christ has firm hold of you, however feeble your grasp of him ;' 
and now we saw him strong in faith, and in the last hour of dis- 
solving nature, rejoice in the sure and certain hope of the glory of 
God. He did indeed find, to use the dying words of my beloved 
brother, ' the rest that Christ gives is sweet.' He was silent, but it 
was a most expressive silence, and revealed emotions of joy and 
praise not to be described. Many touching circumstances occurred, 
which shewed both the man and the Christian ; but they are of too 
delicate a nature to be communicated beyond the circle of his own 
family. 

" Two days before his death, he received a letter, mentioning the 
conversion of two persons (one of whom was a clergyman) by 
the perusal of his tract, ' The Dairyman's Daughter.' When the 
letter was given him, he seemed too feeble to open it himself, and 
desired Henry to read it to him. The contents deeply interested 
him. He raised himself in his chair, lifted up his hand, and then 
let it fall down again, while he repeatedly shook his head. His 
manner spoke the greatest humility, as if he would say — ^ How 
unworthy of such honour V For a few minutes it seemed to ad- 
minister a cordial to his fainting spirit, and led our minds, in refer- 
ence to our dear father, to contemplate the near fulfilment of that 
promise, ' They that turn many to righteousness, shall shine as the 
stars for ever and ever.' 

" On Tuesday, the 8th of May, he rose later than usual : I think 
it was twelve before he got into the study , and he was so weak, 
that he had great difficulty in walking there from his bed-room. 
His breath was short, and he looked very pale, but he said he felt 
no pain. He sat on his reading-chair, with his head resting on a 
pillow : his countenance and manner was calm and peaceful. In 
the afternoon he could scarcely support himself; and I kneeled on a 
chair behind him, and he laid his head on my shoulder. Once he 
seemed to be fainting, but he soon revived ; and, looking calmly at 
me, he said, ' Better now, love.' 

" Mamma could no longer stay in the room, and I was left alone 



REV. LEGH RICHMOND. 841 

with him till five He still said nothing, except to assure me he 
felt no pain. To the very last, it appeared to be his great desire to 
spare our feelings. We now persuaded him to go to bed, but we 
little thought death was so near. He could not walk, and we were 
going to ring for a servant to assist him ; but he said, ' I should 
like Henry to carry me.' He was wasted to a skeleton : Henry 
took him up with great ease, and we all followed. I shall never 
forget this most aifecting moment : it was a moment of anguish to 
me, more than the last scene. He seemed to know that he was 
leaving the study, never to return to it : his look told me that he 
knew it. This was his favourite room, where for more than twenty 
years he had constantly carried on his pursuits. There he had writ- 
ten his books— studied his sermons — instructed his children— con- 
versed with his flock, and offered daily sacrifice of praise and 
prayer. I watched him, as Henry carried him out : his countenance 
preserved the same look of fixed composure. He raised his head, 
and gave one searching look round the room, on his books — his ta- 
ble—his chair — his wife— his children ;— and then the door closed 
on him for ever ! He gave the same look round the gallery, 
through which we passed, as if he was bidding farewell to every 
thing. There was a peculiar expression in his countenance, which 
I cannot describe ; it seemed to say, ' Behold, I die, but God will be 
with you !' Henry seated him in a chair, and he sat to be undress- 
ed, like a little dependant child, in deep silence, but without the ruf- 
fling of a feature. 

"About nine, he seemed rather wandering, and made an effort to 
speak, but we could not make out his meaning ; only we perceived 
he was thinking of his church, for we heard him say several 'times, 
* It will be all confusion !' Mamma asked him what would be 
confusion. ^ The church ! There will be such confusion in my 
church !' 

" About ten o'clock, he signified to mamma, in the gentlest whis- 
per, that he wished to be left alone— to send us all away, and draw 
the curtains round him. 

" About half-past ten, Mrs. G., the kind and faithful nurse of Wil- 
ly, tapped at my door. I was reading the Bible, and had just reach- 
ed that verse, ' That ye be not slothful, but followers of them who 
through faith and patience inherit the promises.' I have though the 
coincidence remarkable, at least I trust it will ever give a quicken- 
ing influence to that passage, when I read it. She told me to come 
and look at my father. She said, she could hardly tell whether 
there was any change or not. I hurried to him. He raised his 

29* 



342 MEMOIRS OF THE 

eyes to heaven, and then closed them. I put my cheek upon his ; 
and I believe at that instant I felt, for I could not hear, his dying 
sigh. I thought he was sleeping, and continued looking at him, till 
Hannah said, ' Your dear papa is in heaven.' I did not think him 
dead, and I rubbed his still warm hands, and kissed his pale cheek, and 
entreated him to speak one word to me : but I soon found it was 
the silence of death. All turned to poor mamma, who was insensi- 
ble ; and I was thus left alone with my dear father, kneeling beside 
him with his hand in mine. The same holy calm sat on his counte- 
nance, and seemed to say — ' Thanks be to God, who hath given me 
the victory !' 

The scene that followed was truly afflictive. The grief of the 
widow and the fatherless was unchecked ; for he who had always 
comforted them, and bid them kiss the rod, was no longer with 
them. The contrast betw^een the after-scene of Wilberforce's and 
our beloved parent's death was peculiarly affecting to me. When 
my brother died, my father assembled us together, to implore re- 
signation, and offer praise. But when he himself departed, all 
seemed gone. There was no one to collect us ; and we were scat- 
tered in wild sorrow, with a feeling of desolation which was quite 
unutterable. 

"We cannot, we ought not to forget such a father. Yea, I 
would add, ' when I forget thee, may my right hand forget her 
cunning.' 

" The hand of God has gone out against us— yet ' the seed of the 
righteous is not forsaken.' He has cut off the ' stream which 
made^us glad' — but praised be his name, he invites us to the ' living 
fountain,' where our souls may drink and be satisfied. 
" Believe me, my dear Mrs. F., 

" Your very affectionate, 

" F. R." 

Mr. Richmond departed, Tuesday, May 8, 1827. The Editor 
arrived from abroad four days after the above event. It is impossi- 
ble to express the shock inflicted on his feelings by this painful in- 
telligence, which was the more distressing as it was wholly unex- 
pected, and unmitigated by a parting interview. It seemed as if he 
had just returned to perform the last solemn duty! 

Mr. Richmond was buried in the church of Turvey, and in the 
same vault w^hich contained the remains of his beloved Wilber- 
force, and of two infant sons. The affecting circumstances of the 



REV, LEGH RICHMOND. 343 

fiineral are thus described by a friend, who was a spectator of the 
mournful scene : — 

" I was hastening to witness the sad obsequies of this excellent man ; 
the bell tolled heavily, and seemed to smite on my ear with more 
than ordinary solemnity. Sorrow v/as depicted on every counte- 
nance, and the mourners crossed my path at every step. Even the 
aged and the sick, who had long heard from his lips the glad ti- 
dings of salvation, crept out of their cottages, resting on their 
crutches, or leaning on the arm of friendship, to gaze on the 
mournful cavalcade, and weep over their melancholy bereavement. 

" Every eye exhibited the struggle of feeling, and spoke more for 
the memory of the deceased than volumes written in his praise. 
Multitudes from the neighbouring villages, and many from remo- 
ter places, were attracted to the spot, and came to pay their tribute 
of affection to the memory of one v/ith whose name they had long 
associated feelings of respect and esteem. The members of the 
men's club, established by Mr. Richmond at Turvey. had assembled 
with their long wands, clothed in mourning, and formed a double 
line from the rectory to the church porch. Through this avenue 
the body v/as borne, without interruption from the crowds of spec- 
tators. It was carried b}^ six bearers, and the pall was held by the 
same number of clergymen from the neighbourhood, whose coun- 
tenances, marked with profound sorrow, seemed to say, ' alas ! my 
brother !' There followed as mourners, the family — the more re- 
spectable of the parishioners — the communicants — the friendly so- 
cieties of young and old — the Sunday and day schools — and a long 
train of the poor, with many strangers who were present on the 
occasion. The men's club joined the procession as it passed along ; 
and the whole presented to my eye the most affecting picture of 
deep and sincere sorrow I ever witnessed. 

" The service was read, at the request of the family, by Mr. 
Grimshawe, who delivered an address at the conclusion of the fu- 
neral, in compliance with the wishes of the parishioners, and in 
accordance with the custom of the deceased rector." 

The following Sunday, a sermon was preached at Turvey 
church, on tlie occasion, by tlie Rev. T. Fry, rector of Emberton, 
to an overflowing congregation. So great was the number of per- 
sons tliat attended, that many went away, unable to procure admit- 
tance. Not only was every space in the church and chancels occu- 
pied, but the marble monuments were covered with people, and even 
the large beams which supported the rool. Mr. Richmond, some 
years before his decease, had selected a passage of Scripture j and 



344 MEMOIRS OF THE 

Mr. Fry, m compliance with the wishes of his friend, took his text 
from Romans vii. 24, 25. ' O wretched man that I am ! who shall 
deliver me from the body of this death 7 I thank God, through Je- 
sus Christ our Lord !* 

The follow^ing testimony from Mrs. Richmond, to the domestic 
character and virtues of her excellent husband, is too honourable 
to both parties not to excite the interest of the reader by its inser- 
tion. 

" Dear Sir, 

"Allow me to assure you of the unfeigned satisfaction which 
I feel in addressing you as the biographer of my late most dear and 
lamented husband. 

" That the task has devolved on you, who were better acquainted 
than most others with the qualities of him whom you so justly lo- 
ved and valued, is a melancholy pleasure, connected with my afflic- 
tive bereavement. 

" The confidential and affectionate intercourse, which for so ma- 
ny years subsisted between you, afforded numerous and varied op- 
portunities for making a just estimate of his character ; and I feel 
full confidence that you will be faithful in your own observations 
on this honoured servant of the sanctuary. 

" To Am, indeed, it is a thing of nought; — his witness is in 
heaven, and his record is on high. But to those whom he has left 
behind, in this vale of tears, it is, I think, a lawful source of anx- 
iety and interest, that ' his name should be had in remembrance.' 

" His public character you had more frequent and diversified 
means of appreciating than I had. But in the private and family 
circle, it may naturally be supposed that to myself he was best 
known. 

" In the endeared relations of husband and father, those only 
knew his value who are now left to deplore his loss. The honour- 
ed but unworthy partner of his w^eal and wo can bear grateful 
testimony how truly he fulfilled the apostolic injunction of lov- 
ing his wife ; how patiently he bore with her infirmities ; and with 
what tenderness of mind and refinement of feeling, he manifested 
the daily recurring instances of his affectionate and devoted at- 
tachment. 

" The subject is sacred and delicate, and my pencil might be 
thought to colour too highly ; but on my own heart is indelibly 

* Sermons were preached in the neighbourhood by the editor and other clcr- 
g:ymen, the succeeding- Sunday. 



REV, LEGH RICHMOND. 345 

impressed the fond remembrance of what he was to ine—s remem- 
brance which death only can efface ; and which 1 humbly hope 
will be renewed, with increased powers of recollection, when I 
shall have come out of this great tribulation, washed in the blood 
of the Lamb, and made meet for the inheritance of the saints in light. 

'^ Nevertheless, I feel myself called upon to offer the tribute of 
my heart's best effusions of gratitude, for a continued course of 
connubial felicity, enjoyed by few to the same extent. To him I 
was indebted for thfrty years of domestic happiness, from the re- 
collections of which, ^visions of past enjoyment rise, in long and 
bright array;' while I am painfully reminded that they are joys de- 
parted; for, ' in the forsaken tomb, the form beloved is laid ! ' 

" In how many instances did he cast the mantle of love over my 
deficiencies and short-comings ! — and when he might have been 

* much bold in Christ, to enjoin me that which is convenient ; yet, 
for love's sake, he rather besought me.' 

" But it is as a candidate for heaven that I supremely feel my 
obligations to my departed husband. Here the dispenser and the 
possessor of all earthly joys must have their close; — Here all 
sublunary bliss must cease ! But there^ mortality shall put on 
immortality ; and the pleasures at God's right hand are for ever- 
more. To his instrumentality I owe the hope of never-ending 
happiness; and I rejoice in the blessed prospect, that, from having 
been fellow-pilgrims on earth, we shall be fellow-heirs of glory in 
heaven. And if celestial happiness can be increased by the re- 
union of terrestrial objects of affection, mine must receive addition 
from again beholding him. The anticipation cheers my widowed 
heart. OhJ that we may again meet, ' with our old and with our 
young, with our sons and with our daughters.' 

" As di father he possessed a tenderness and sweetness of affection 
almost peculiar to himself. How does my heart now thrill while I re- 
call the affectionate and parental emotions with which he took each 
new-born babe in his arms ; and, like Simeon of old, blessed it ! Those 
prayers were registered in heaven, they have descended in bless- 
ings on his children, and they are yet ' the portion and inheritance 
for them, in their father's house :' a bequest more precious than 
silver and gold. I doubt not that those prayers were accepted for 
the Saviour's sake: and the surviving parent adds her petition— 

* Therefore, now let it please thee to bless the house of thy servant, 
that it may continue for ever before tliee: with thy blessing let the 
house of thy servant be blessed for ever.' 

"In pourtraying the general character of my dear husband, 



346 MEMOIRS OF THE 

his pemiliarly prominent feature of benevolence should be specially 
noticed; for ne possessed it in the most extended and comprehen- 
sive meaning of the word. 

" It was a universal kindness and good-will, best described by 
the charity which 'beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth 
all things, endureth all things. A charity which never failed.' 
There w^ere occasions when, according to man's wisdom, this vir- 
tue might have been and was thought to partake of the works of 
supererogation. And certain it is, that in some instances, the un- 
suspecting simplicity of his disposition subjected him to conse- 
quences which fully proved that the children of this world are 
wiser in their generation than the children of light ! 

" But he was ever mindful of the admonition, 'never impute a 
bad motive to any one, while you can find a good one.' The mot- 
to which encircled his heart was. ' glory to God in the highest, on 
earth peace, good will towards men.' 

'• This was his Christian badge ; nor can I recollect a single in- 
stance in which he ever laid it aside. ' Speak not evil one of an- 
other,' was a very remarkable characteristic of my beloved hus- 
band. With David he said, ' I will take heed to my ways, that I 
sm not with my tongue.' He appeared never to lose sight of this 
caution, nor did he ever fail to check the forgetfulness of it in 
others when occasion required. 

" His own breast w^as the sacred depository of any event, circum- 
stance, or communication, which cast reproach upon the church, 
or on individuals. And that with a conviction, founded upon the 
sure word of God, that * the tongue is an unruly evil.' 

•• You, dear sir, need not to be informed of his unw^earied labours 
of love, when publicly engaged in the cause of God. You well 
know that he counted no personal sacrifice too dear, so that he 
might win souls to Christ. 

'' Were any tempted to think that he robbed his own to enrich 
others, and that enthusiasm carried him too often and too far 
from kindred ties, and from the appointed flock over which God 
had made him overseer ? Let wife, children, and flock, separately 
and unitedly declare, without partiality and without hypocrisy, 
what was the spirit in which he returned among them. Was it 
iiot invariably ' in the fulness of the gospel of peace,' replenished 
with fresh arguments for each, that ' laying aside all malice, and 
all guile, and hypocrisies, and envying, and all evil-speakings ; de- 
nymg ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righ- 
teously, and godly, in this present evil world ; laying up in store a 



REV. LEGH RICHMOND. 347 

good foundation against the time to come.' How animating were 
the details which he gave of his progress through the varied scenes 
of his pilgrimage, and how calculated to impress the conviction, 
that the love of Christ constrained him ! 

" Nor let it be supposed that the breath of fame kindled in his 
bosom any desires at variance with the duties of that more con- 
fined sphere in which he was permanently stationed. I always 
considered his missionary labours as productive of fresh energies 
for the discharge of his parochial duties. 

" Instant in season, out of season, he preached the word with 
invigorating power and demonstration of the spirit. Giving all 
diligence to add to his ' faith virtue, and to virtue knowledge, and 
to knowledge temperance, and to temperance patience, and to pa- 
tience godliness, and to godliness brotherly-kindness, and to bro- 
therly-kindness charity.' These things being in him, and abound- 
ing, they made him, that he was ' neither barren nor unfruitful in 
the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.' 

" But his days are accomplished : he rests from his labours. He 
is now become a citizen of Zion, answerable to the description of 
David, ^ Lord, who shall abide in thy tabernacle 1 Who shall dwell 
in thy holy hill ? He that walketh uprightly, and worketh righte- 
ousness, and speaketh the truth from his heart.' And having join- 
ed the hundred forty and four thousand, in concert he proclaims, 
' not by works of righteousness which we have done, but accord- 
ing to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and 
renewing of the Holy Ghost, which he shed on us abundantly 
through Jesus Christ.' 

" It might naturally have been expected, that the horizon around 
this setting sun would have been gilded with many a bright though 
departing ray ; and that he would have winged his flight to glory, 
commencing the hallelujahs on earth, so soon to be attuned to 
harps of gold in heaven : — that finding the end of all things was 
at hand, he would have spoken ^ as the oracles of God — declaring 
til at he had not followed cunningly devised fables, when he made 
known the power of our Lord Jesus Christ.' That such was not 
the case, can, I think, be best accounted for by those who have 
most cause to mourn the deprivation. 

" The feelings of the husband and the father were too sensitive 
for the weakened frame, which shrunk from the excitement to be 
aj)prehcnded from any direct allusion to the mournful event which 
was about to rend asunder a link so strongly uniting the family 
chain. This was the Ijittcrness of death. For his own soul, he 



3^18 MEMOIRS OF THE 

liad long committed it to the keeping of God, in well doing, as 
imto a faithful Creator ; but he would not hazard an interruption 
to the peaceful calm with which he anticipated his dismissal from 
the body. He saw the restrained anguish of my heart, and for- 
bore to probe the wound, which he knew was rankling. This it 
was that imposed silence. 

" A more tranquil departure could neither have been wished nor 
granted. Every tumult was hushed— all was serene — death had 
lost its sting, for he had gained the victory through our Lord Jesus 
Christ. With the utmost composure, he put his house in order, 
feeling that he must die, and not live. The placidity of his coun- 
tenance expressed the peace within, speaking more than words 
could have done ; ' and now. Lord, what wait I for '? truly my 
hope is even in thee.' Can I ever forget the morning of that day 
which closed upon me as a widow (oh ! word of sorrow) and 
desolate? With what prophetic earnestness did he pronounce the 
assurance, ' God will never leave you, nor forsake you ! It is im- 
possible P 

" This may be said to have been his parting benediction. For 
though some few hours more did elapse, before the departure of 
the spirit to God who gave it, yet the powers of nature were so ex- 
hausted, that briefly reminding me ' how merciful the Lord has 
been to us for many years,' and with a short exhortation to resig- 
nation, he continued in silent composure, waiting the arrival of the 
heavenly convoy, to be ushered into the presence of Him whom, 
not having seen, he loved — and whom now beholding, and know- 
ing even as he is known, he falls down and worships ; uniting 
with the innumerable company of angels, the spirits of just men 
made perfect, and the multitude which no man can number, in 
singing the song of Moses and the Lamb. ' Mark the upright man, 
and behold the perfect ; for the end of that man is peace.' 

^' Sucli was my beloved husband, in life and in death. What he 
is in glory, eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither hath entered 
into the heart to conceive. 

' Thus much (and this is all) we know — 

He is supremely blest ; 
Has done with sin, and care, and wo, 

And with his Saviour rests.' 

" In giving this transcript, dear sir, of thoughts so deeply en- 
graven on my heart, many a pang has been revived. Memory re- 
traces joys and sorrows, each in their turn a source of grief. I am 
painfully reminded that God ' hath stripped me of my glory, and 



REV. LEGH RICHMOND. 349 

taken the crown from my head.' I see myself surrounded by the 
pledges of an ardent attachment, and I remember that my children 
' are orphans and fatherless — their mother is a widow.' They 
must set sail on the ocean of life, exposed to the chilling blasts of 
this inhospitable clime, without a pilot to warn them of the rocks 
and quicksands to which they will be exposed. The guide of their 
youth, he who would have given to the young man knowledge 
and discretion, is separated from them. How often will they have 
need to cry out, ' My father, my father ! ' 

" For myself^ I am left to travel the remainder of my pilgrimage 
solitary and alone. The bosom upon which I was wont to recline, 
no longer beats with affectionate sympathy, responsive to my joys 
and sorrows. The evening of my days must close in cheerless so- 
litude ; but the voice of God is in this dispensation, and it becomes 
me to hearken unto it. He doth not willingly grieve, but says, 
^ turn you at my reproof.' 

" May the Lord ' make me to know my transgression and sin. 
May my soul keep it still in remembrance, and be humbled in me.' 

" ^ Who is wise, and he shall understand these things ? Prudent, 
and he shall know them ? For the ways of the Lord are right, and 
the just shall walk in them.' 

" I am, my dear sir, 

" Yours, very truly, 

"Mary Richmond." 

We feel extremely reluctant to trespass on this holy ground, or 
interrupt the train of solemn thought and feeling which these inter- 
esting letters of a beloved wife and an affectionate child must have 
inspired in the minds of our readers. Yet we cannot close this 
Memoir with satisfaction to ourselves, or justice to our esteemed 
friend, without noticing a few of those qualities for which he ap- 
pears to us, and to all who knew him, to have been eminently dis- 
tinguished. 

The following testimonies from those who possessed ample op- 
portunities of forming a just estimate of his character, are at once 
a faithful and honourable record both of his public and private vir- 
tues. They will not be the less acceptable for being offered, for 
the most part, by men whose names are associated with the dis- 
tinguished institutions that adorn the times in which we live. 

" I not only witnessed," says Dr. Stoinkopff, " the ability with 
which he publicly advocated the cause of the Bible Society, and 
the powerful and bcnelicial impression which his addresses pro- 

30 



3,10 MEMOIRS OF THE 

(liiced on ninneroiis and highly respectable audiences, but I also 
fell delighted with his Christian conversation. I saw him devoutly 
perusing those sacred pages which he so effectively recommended 
to the a^itention of others, and heard many an edifying remark 
dropping from his lips. 

'- Instead of living to himself, he felt an ardent desire to live to 
the honour and glory of Him who died for him, and rose again. 
He closely watched his own heart, temper, and disposition ; and 
often expressed himself in terms of the most unfeigned humility 
and self-abasement— renouncing all dependence on what he had 
done, and relying exclusively on the free grace of God, and the 
merits of his adorable Redeemer. In all my interviews with him, 
I witnessed a serenity of mind, and cheerfulness of temper, pecu- 
liarly calculated to recommend the religion of Christ." 

" By this fine imagination," observes the Rev. Mr. Bickersteth, 
" his devotional spirit, his full and copious flow of expression, and his 
rich exhibition of the good tidings of redeeming grace, he interest- 
ed in a very uncommon degree, the large assemblies he was accus- 
tomed to address. Some of his most extemporaneous addresses had 
a beauty of conception, and a glow of feeling quite irresistible. 
Very many in our own country can testify, that through his labours 
they not only first became sensible of the importance of missions, 
but of the value of their own souls, and the infinite price at which 
they were redeemed." 

In allusion to his exertions in behalf of the Jews, the Rev. Mr. 
Haw trey remarks :— 

'' There was something in the cause of poor benighted and out- 
cast Israel, which seemed peculiarly congenial with his affectionate 
and sympathising spirit. To exhibit their wrongs, and paint their 
sorrows, was a work in which he delighted to be engaged ; and he 
did so with such genuine feeling and pathetic eloquence, that few 
could resist his appeals ; and it would not be easy to define how 
much, under God, that now widely diffused compassion for this 
interesting, but long neglected people, is to be attributed to his 
pious and able exertions in their behalf." 

" Enough has been witnessed by me," says the Rev. Mr. Hughes, 
*' on the road, in families, and at public meetings, to furnish the 
materials of an ample testimony in favour of that excellent and ex- 
traordinary man. To a sound understanding, a full command of 
thoughts and language, a free and graceful utterance, and an exu- 
berant imagination, he added those qualities of the heart, which en- 
deared him to the whole of that large circle in which he moved. 



REV. LEGH RICHMOND. 351 

Piety, candour, courtesy, and Christian kindness, were embodied 
in all his demeanour. Who that knew him could ever be reminded 
of the gall of bitterness, except by the perfect contrast of his own 
admirable dispositions ? 

" If all the professed ministers and disciples of our Lord shone 
with a radiance so mild, and exemplified a zeal so pious and affec- 
tionate, then would the church embody her arguments and persua- 
sions in their most effective and impressive form. 

The Rev. Mr. Jones, of Creaton, one of his oldest and most es- 
teemed friends, thus writes : — 

" He was no common man, whether considered as a writer, a 
speaker, a pastor, a parent, or a friend. I always felt it my honour 
and happiness to have the benefit of his acquaintance, and a share 
in his affections, which I happily enjoyed without interruption, 
from the time he came to reside at Turvey, to the day he entered 
his eternal rest. And I can now declare, with the greatest truth, 
that the nearer I came to him, and the more opportunities I had of 
entering into his real character, principles, and disposition, the 
more I loved and esteemed him." 

" I admit," remarks the Rev. Mr. Fry, " that the best of men are 
men at the best ; and that religion has sustained no small injury 
from the unmeasured and injudicious encomiums bestowed on its 
professors, by friends and partisans. Legh Richmond might have 
his weaknesses as well as others, but his faults were the excesses 
of his virtues. After a very intimate and confidential intercourse 
with him for more than twenty years, I may aver, in the perfect 
integrity of truth, that, in my judgment, he was equalled by few, 
and excelled by none. Although there is a considerable affinity of 
character in the general attainments and labours of the distin- 
guished servants of God, there were some qualities in him which 
might be more peculiarly called his own, 

''- Harmony is the perfection of character^ and Legh Richmond 
exhibited a beautiful combination of varied excellencies. With an 
acknowledged superiority of talents and acquirements, and with a 
tide of popularity and usefulness, which might have induced a 
train of fearful temptations, he possessed a deep consciousness of 
his own unworthiness, and his conduct was marked with a most 
unfeigned meekness and humility : no one could be more exempt 
from display. His rich stores of material were always at hand, 
but they were never brought forward till the occasion called for 
them. It is often seen, that men of commanding minds are care- 
less of the feelings of others, and unwilling to stoop to the infirmi- 



352 MEMOIRS OF THE 

ties of the weak. In Legh Richmond were united strength and 
sweetness ; he had a ' head of intellect, and a heart of love,' as was 
expressively observed by my friend, Mr. Garrard. He possessed 
powers to grapple with a giant, and sensibility that would not 
trample on a worm ; tenderness, forbearance, and sympathy, cha- 
racterized his intercourse with every one. 

" Men of fine taste and delicate perceptions are frequently betray- 
ed into fastidiousness ; and are apt to be offended with the coarse- 
ness and peculiarity which sometimes disfigures a sincere and 
genuine profession of religion ; but Mr. Richmond kept his eye fixed 
on the jewel, however rough and unsightly the casket which con- 
tained it. 

" His largeness of heart embraced every part of the church of 
Christ, and the kindness and cordiality of his manner endeared him 
to all. 

" From his connexion and correspondence with good men of every 
denomination, he was suspected by some of indifference and laxity 
towards the principles of his own community. 

" But if he be the best churchman, the purity of whose doc- 
trine, and the fidelity of w^hose labours have the most direct 
tendency to check the progress of dissent, and to attract nume- 
rous w^orshippers within the walls of our own Zion, no man ever 
possessed a juster claim to this title than the subject of the present 
Memoir. 

" He was conscientiously and firmly attached to the discipline 
as well as to the doctrine of the establishment, and never shrunk 
from its defence when he thought himself called upon to advocate 
its cause. 

" He was remarkable for his disinterestedness, and whenever 
he asked a favour, it was for others, and not for himself. Perhaps 
I cannot better illustrate this part of his character than by relating 
an anecdote of Mr. Howe, (one of Oliver Cromwell's chaplains,) to 
whom, in many points, Legh Richmond bore a strong resemblance. 
Mr. Howe was applied to for protection, by men of all parties, in 
those eventful times ; and it is said of him, that he never refused 
his assistance to any person, who was a ' worthy man,' whatever 
might be his religious tenets. ^Mr. Howe,' (said the Protector to 
his chaplain,) you have asked favours for every body beside your- 
self, pray when does your turn come.' 'My turn, my lord Pro- 
tector,' said Mr. Howe, ' is always come when I can serve ano- 
ther.' 

" He had a great abhorrence of slander in any form, or on any 



»Ui.ii^j^ 



REV. LEGH RICHMOND. 353 

occasion: he shrunk from its foul breath, as if he feared his own 
soul would be polluted by it. It was a maxim with him, ' never 
impute a had motive where you can find a good one ; nor repeat 
a thing to the disadvantage of another, where imperious necessity 
does not require it.' 

" It is no small praise to say of any man, ^ they loved him best, 
who knew him most.' Legh Richmond had not an inmate of bis 
family, whether wife, child, or servant, perhaps scarcely a parish- 
ioner, who can even now hear his name without emotion. 

^' It is little to say, that I truly loved him, and shall ever cherish 
his memory with affectionate veneration. 

"You, my dear friend, have a difficult task im.posed on you, and 
much less time allowed than is needful, to satisfy the public or 
yourself, in the execution of a work which is intended to exhibit 
the character of one ^who was both a good and a great man, in 
every persons estimation but his own.^ " 

We merely add one more short testimony, from the Rev. Mr. 
Gauntlett, the vicar of Olney. 

" Thousands and tens of thousands who have hung with admira- 
tion, affection, and interest, on his eloquent addresses from the pul- 
pit and the platform, will unite in the sentiment that ^ a great man 
is fallen.' The sermons of Legh Richmond were characterized not 
only by a depth of piety, and a sound orthodoxy in strict conformity 
with the Scriptures, and with the fathers of the English Church, but 
likewise by the most pathetic and affectionate appeals to his audi- 
tors on the subject of personal religion. His addresses, on public 
occasions, in behalf of many of the religious societies, were mark- 
ed by extraordinary powers of description ; by a pathos which 
deeply interested and affected his audience ; by felicitous and ap- 
propriate references to present circumstances, arising from the oc- 
casion ; and by an eloquence peculiar to himself, which must have 
been witnessed to be duly appreciated. Mr. Richmond was strictly 
an extemporaneous speaker. The remarks of his brethren and 
others on the platform, were frequently made the occasions on 
which he formed the most judicious comments, gratifying to their 
authors, illustrative of the subject, and which, while they delighted, 
at the same time instructed and edified his auditors." 

We intended to have drawn a summary of the character of Mr. 
Richmond, founded on recollections of nearly twenty years' conti- 
nuance; but our anxiety to afford room for the contributions of 
others, leaves little space for our own. 

In the few remarks which we shall have occasion to offer, it is as 

30* 



354 MEMOIRS OF THE 

a minister of the Gospel^ and in the influence if his example 
and labours on the age in which he lived, that we shall princi- 
pally consider him. In the happy union of ministerial quahfica- 
tions ; in the soundness of his doctrines, and their close approxi 
mation to those of the Reformation, we consider him to have been 
excelled by no man ; and to have been a prominent instrument in 
reviving that sense of their value, and demand for their delivery, 
which is now become so perceptible to every observer. With pow- 
ers of mind far beyond the common standard, it was his peculiar 
advantage to be born in a period singularly suited to their develope- 
ment. The Bible, the Missionary, and the Jewish cause, were fit 
themes for a mind like his, and afforded ample scope for expatia- 
ting on the sublime truths and adorable mercies of the Christian 
revelation, and the unchangeable faithfulness, power, and love of 
their divine Author. Some men follow the impression of the 
times in which the providence of God has placed them. It was his 
lot to be one of the first and foremost in awakening and imparting 
it. He was evidently raised up for the age in which he lived, and 
one of the instruments chosen of God to give to it its form and 
fashion. With a persevering energy, which no labour could weary, 
he advocated the cause of the various religious societies to crowded 
and delighted auditories : and roused the public feeling in almost 
every part of the kingdom. We willingly allow to others their 
share of fellowship in tliis great work ; but no one can review, 
with holy gratitude and love, the present extent and diffusion of 
this spirit, without exclaiming, " we owe much of this enlarged 
and noble feeling to the zeal and labours of Legh Richmond." 

With respect to the style and manner of his preaching, after 
what has been already observed, little remains to be added. His 
views of a subject were powerful and comprehensive. He could 
present the same idea under different forms; communicate toothers 
the fervour of his own conceptions ; astonish by rapidity, and 
please by variety. He delighted to lead the penitent sinner to re- 
pose on the promises and mercies of the Gospel ; or he could awe 
the conscience, by depicting the solemnities of death and judg- 
ment. He was not always equal, and required excitement ; but on 
occasions that demanded the exercise of deep thought, and the ca- 
pacity to interest, to inform, and edify, he seldom disappointed ex- 
pectation. If his labours had not been so extensively blest at Tur- 
vey, we should have said that a more public sphere would have 
been better adapted to the character and powers of his mind. But 
the Lord knows best how to appoint our portion. St. John, even 



REV. LEGH RICHMOND. 355 

in the retirement of Patmos, was not precluded from eminently 
serving the cause of divine truth ; and, in his prophetic page, un- 
folded events, embracing the interests of the church of Christ, till 
its final consummation in eternity. 

As a public speaker, he possessed a felicity of idea and expres- 
sion peculiar to himself. His thoughts were natural and simple. 
They seemed to flow without effort, and to be the spontaneous 
production of his mind ; but his rich imagination clothed them in 
a form that resembled the varied tints, the brilliant glow, and the 
harmonious colouring of the rainbow. His images were frequent- 
ly borrowed from the scenes of nature, which were made to illus- 
trate some instructive and spiritual truth. The lofty mountain 
and the verdant vale, the tranquil rivulet, or broad expanse of 
ocean, all became tributary to his imagination, and supplied ma- 
terials to his creative fancy. He could affect the heart by touches 
the most natural, and by appeals the most pathetic. He could re- 
store the spirit of a meeting when it was cold or languid ; could 
speak early or late ; could select his topics from the ideas of pre- 
ceding speakers, or invent them for himself; while his delighted 
auditors would listen with a smile on the countenance, and with a 
sensation of joy in the heart, that seemed to take from time its 
flight, and from fatigue its weariness. If it be said that this style 
is less adapted to religious subjects, and must have possessed more 
of taste than solidity, more of what was interesting to the imagi- 
nation, than edifying to the mind, or awakening to the conscience ; 
truth and justice require us to remark, that he never forgot the 
spiritual improvement of his hearers. As a speaker, he produced 
the effect excited by contemplating a landscape of Claude : but, as 
in the productions of that artist, amidst scenes the most pictu- 
resque and lovely, the rivers or waters of the ocean always form a 
leading and prominent feature, so in the addresses of Legh Rich- 
mond, " the river of the water of life" was the one great subject 
that called forth every energy of his mind, every creation of his 
imagination, and every warm emotion of his heart. 

His conversational powers deserve also to be noticed. 

He was usually silent, till called into discussion : but when once 
engaged in it, by minds kindred with his own, and on topics en- 
deared to his feelings, he was peculiarly instructive and interesting. 
From the stores of his rich and highly cultivated understanding, 
he would pour forth a mass of valuable and solid information, that 
surprised by its extent and excellence. As he pursued the inquiry, 
new views and conceptions succeeded each other in rapid succes- 



356 MEMOIRS OF THE 

sion, like the .traveller who extends his horizon as he scales the 
summit of the mountain. His reflections showed the fertility of 
his intellect, and the benignity of his heart. He was eloquent, be- 
cause his mind was ardent ; and persuasive, because truth was his 
aim and object. These qualifications gave to the hours of social 
converse a charm which refreshed the spirit, and w^armed and pu- 
rified the heart. And if conversation were but more improved to 
these ends ; if it were considered, not as the mere act of friendly 
and social intercourse, but as the interchange of kind and affec- 
tionate feeling, and the occasion of mutual edification, it would 
then answer the important design prescribed in the greatest of all 
standards.* It would be a means of grace; and while the stream 
itself might lead to the living fountain, the bond of social union 
would be strengthened, the affections of the soul be developed, and 
sorrows lose half their bitterness, by the sweetness of Christian 
solace and participation. 

In this humble endeavour to delineate his character, how strong- 
ly does his image present itself to the mind of the writer ! Recol- 
lections of the past rise up in quick and affecting succession. 
Hours, once enlivened by edifying and delightful intercourse, are 
gone by for ever, embittered by the regret, that the profit they were 
calculated to afford was not more highly appreciated. Yet to me- 
mory they are ever dear. And so long as affection shall glow in 
the heart, and earthly friendship, founded on the principles of the 
Gospel, be justly considered as one of the sources of pure and ex- 
alted enjoyment, he will ever enumerate it as one of the causes of 
deep-felt gratitude to God, that he was honoured by the friendship 
of Legh Richmond. 

If it be said, that in the above outline there is a faithful enume- 
ration of what is excellent in the character of Legh Richmond, and 
that what now remains is with equal fidelity to record w^hat is de- 
fective ; painful as it is at all times to exercise so ungrateful an 
oflice, we are nevertheless supported by the conviction that we can 
record no blemish that affected the loveliness of the Christian, or 
the estimation of the man. The vulnerable part of his character 
has been considered to be his supposed neglect of his family and 
parish. But we confidently appeal to the numerous letters inserted 
in this Memoir, exhibiting the most unequivocal proofs of pious 
solicitude for their religious principles and conduct ; we appeal to 
the testimonies borne by his wife, and by one of his own children, 
whether this charge is not most successfully refuted ; and whether 
* " Let your speech be alway with grace, seasoned with salt." — Coloss, iv. 6. 



REV. LEGH RICHMOND. 357 

tlie parental and domestic virtues do not form that portion of his 
character on which the heart reposes with delight and admiration? 
In reference to his parish, let his pastoral letters, let his school, his 
communicants, his converts, and the tears and benedictions of his 
bereaved parishioners, be his witnesses before men, as they are his 
record before God. In pursuing our inquiry, it will, perhaps, 
awaken the astonishment of the reader, w^ho has been contempla- 
ting the laborious career of his life, to be told that indolence was 
naturally his besetting sin^ ' the thorn in the flesh,' against which 
he had unceasingly to contend. It will be remembered that in his 
diary, the following remarkable words occur ; ' sloth, detested sloth, 
how does it injure my advancement ;' and again, ' what methods 
shall I take to cure my spiritual slothfulness ? There must be a 
struggle and agony — heaven must be taken with violence.'* We 
more particularly mention this fact, that we may magnify that 
grace which could thus convert indolence into activity, and supine- 
ness into zeal, till life itself became the sacrifice of his exertions, 
and he died literally spent in his Master's service.! 

Let the reader improve the knowledge of this circumstance to 
his own personal edification, and reflect that natural infirmities 
afford no justification for their indulgence ; that they are not only 
to be resisted, but may be subdued ; that God's strength is perfected 
in man's weakness, and that divine truth has declared for our en- 
couragement, " My grace is sufficient for thee." 

There was also an excess of sensibility in Mr. Richmond's cha- 
racter, often injurious to his inward serenity and comfort, and which 
placed his feelings too much under the dominion of others. His 
tender spirit could not bear an unkind word, and still less an un- 
charitable act; and in the hours of confidential intercourse, he 
would deeply mourn over a tendency, even in what is called the 
religious world, to exercise a censorious spirit, incompatible with 
Christian charity, and with the mild precepts of the Gospel of 
peace. Latterly the events of life powerfully affected him. The 
editor could not avoid contrasting his friend's feelings, at this pe- 
riod, with the calm serenity which he manifested in the supposed 
last moments of his dying wife. Nor can he reject the conviction 
that men feel and act differently in different periods and circum- 

* See pages 41, 42. 

t It was stated by Dr. Thackeray, a well-known and hig-hly respectable phy- 
sician in Bedfordshire, who attended him in his last illness, that he fell a 
martyr to his ministerial labours — that the death of his son might have has* 
tened the event, but that his frame had been sinking- for the last two years. 



358 MEMOIRS OF THE 

stances of life. The vigour of faith, so far as it is a gracious prin- 
ciple, may and ought to triumph over the ills attendant on mor- 
tality. But diminished health and weakened nerves frequently 
exercise their effect on the energies of our Christian graces 5 and 
sensibility is often in danger of becoming too acute from accumu- 
lated trials. No character indeed excites much interest that is de- 
ficient in sensibility, and the powers of refined taste, the rich ima- 
gination, and the capacity to enjoy and to impart affectionate emo- 
tions, are intimately allied to this qualification. But if not duly 
regulated, sensitiveness of feeling preys upon the heart, and under- 
mines the strength ; and the body may become the shattered vic- 
tim of its inroads, and sink into premature decay. 

We have already alluded to his unfitness for the secular con- ' 
cerns and business of common life. It might be that his mind was 
absorbed with higher contemplations, and that he forgot the pe- 
rishing dust of this earth, in his pursuit after the imperishable 
riches of heaven. His excellent wife amply supplied the omis- 
sion ; and the manner in which his children have been brought up, 
and educated to the period of his decease, is the best commentary 
on the subject. 

We are not aware that we are either called upon or able to enu- 
merate any thing farther. And yet, if we knew of any unfavour- 
able circumstance, that might operate as a warning to others, 
though at the expense even of our revered friend, we assure the 
reader that such is our strict regard for truth, and our desire to 
fulfil the ends of impartial justice, that we should not feel justified 
in withholding it. We wish to assign to him no virtues which 
he did not possess — to impute to him no defects with which he is 
not justly chargeable. The first would have Vvounded his humility 
when living, and could reflect no real honour on his memory, 
now that he is dead. The latter would equally violate both truth 
and friendship. We are convinced that his own estimation of him- 
self would be best expressed in the language of the publican — " God 
be merciful to me a sinner !" 

But let us raise our thoughts beyond the tribunal of erring mor- 
tals. To Legh Richmond the judgment of man must now be a mat- 
ter of profound indifference. Praise the most elevated can add no- 
thing to the enjoyments of that «!cene on which he has entered ; 
censure the most severe can detract nothing from its blessedness. 
Let it rather be our inquiry, how we may best imitate the virtues 
that have been recorded, and learn those moral truths with which 
his history is connected. 



REV. LEGH RICHMOND. 359 

Let those who have been accustomed to view characters like Mr. 
Richmond through an unfavourable medium, here recognize their 
error, and acknowledge how prejudice distorts the judgment, and 
vitiates the feelings of the heart. One benefit which the writer 
humbly anticipates from the present undertaking is, that prejudices 
may be removed or softened, and a more just estimate be formed 
of the doctrines, principles, and system of conduct which have 
been brought under the contemplation of the reader. Let their 
correctness be determined not by preconceived notions, but by a 
reference to the Bible, the works of the Reformers, and the Arti- 
cles and Homilies of the Church of England. The conviction, he 
trusts, will not fail to follow, in the mind of every candid reader, 
that it is only in proportion as men like Mr. Richmond are raised 
up and multiplied, that the piety and interests of our own church, 
and those of our own common Christianity, can be effectually up- 
held and promoted. 

" While the admirer of the works of Providence, the husband, 
the father, and the Christian, may derive important instruction 
from the example and writings of Legh Richmond, it is to the 
ministers of the sanctuary that he pre-eminently holds forth a 
most profitable subject for contemplation. The prominent feature 
in his character is his laborious usefulness. In endeavouring to 
trace the causes of this fact, we should derogate from the grace of 
God, if we ascribed too much to the nature of his endowments, to 
the elegance of his taste, or to the richness of his imagination. 
These qualifications may command admiration, but they are not 
necessarily associated with usefulness. Instances, alas ! might be 
multiplied in proof of this assertion. In this case, it was their 
application that ennobled their character, by elevating their object 
and tendency. All the faculties of Legh Richmond were conse- 
crated to the glory of their divine Author. In inquiring more 
minutely into the causes of his success^ we may observe, that he 
possessed the three important qualifications specified by Luther as 
essential to constitute a good preacher, " prayer^ study, and 
temptations.'^^ Prayer brought from above the descending Spirit, 
study furnished the materials for thought, and outward trials and 
inward conflicts perfected the work of ministerial fitness. The 
purity of his doctrine was a farther influential cause. He was 
" in doctrine uncorrupt." His divinity was not diluted with earth- 
ly mixtures, but flowed from the rock ; and that rock was Christ. 
The Saviour wai exhibited in all his various offices, as Prophet, 
Priest, and King, and embodied in every precept and promise. 



360 MEMOIRS OF THE 

■ His affectionate manner of address was another concurring 
cause. It has been observed, that some ministers preach as if they 
were " scolding their people."* It was Mr. Richmond's uniform 
aim to win by affection. No preacher more fully verified the re- 
mark, " speaking the truth in love." 

He was singularly adapted to the age in which he lived. He 
might truly be said to be born for the times, and to possess the 
very qualifications which the character of the age most demanded. 

His zeal was also a distinguishing characteristic. His heart was 
in his work. He was " fervent in spirit, serving the Lord." ^^ In 
every work that he began in the service of the house of God, and 
in the law, and in the commandments, to seek his God, he did it 
ivith all his heart, and prospered^ 2 Chron. xxxi. 21. 

The union of these qualifications will generally be found to be the 
best pledges of ministerial success. 

But we hasten to bring these remarks to a close. 

It must be no small source of satisfaction to that venerated indivi 
dual whose endeared name is associated with one of the brighest tri 
umphs of humanity,t that he was the instrument, chosen of God, 
first to awaken the mind of Legh Richmond to clear and saving 
views of divine truth; and, from the period when these impressions 
of divine grace were productive of so great a change, that his course 
was marked by such extraordinary usefulness, till death, termina- 
ting his labours, put its seal of consecration on his memory. At the 
close of a life, distinguished not less by length of years, than by 
virtues, and by a series of eminent services, that must ever enroll 
the name of Wilberforce among the friends and benefactors of 
mankind, may the above recollection furnish one more cause for 
pious gratitude to the Author of all his mercies. May his excellent 
and well-known work on " Practical Christianity" be read with in- 
creasing profit by the present and by succeeding generations ; and 
may his declining days be so cheered by the peace, and joy, and 
hopes of the Gospel, as to resemble the glowing beauties of a set- 
ting sun, which brightening the horizon with the splendour of its 
rays, expires amidst a flood of light and of glory. 

May too the providence and grace of God raise up among us 
ministers like-minded with Legh Richmond— men suited to the 
character of the age in which they live— whose minds are as ex- 
panded as their hearts are accessible to all the sympathies of Chris- 

♦ We believe this remark is attributed to the late Mr. Scott, 
t The abolition of the Slave Trade, accomplished by the persevering eflforts 
of Mr. Wilberforce. 



REV. LEGH RICHMOND. 36i 

tian Charity— eminent in piety, zeal, endowments, and usefulness 
— willing to "spend and be spent" in their Master's service- 
who " serve the Lord Christ" — "pastors after his own heart, who 
shall feed the people with knowledge and understanding." May 
this wish be the more ardently felt and offered up from the convic- 
tion that no national reformation is ever likely to take place among 
us that is not first preceded by a reformation, as wide as it shall be 
effective, among our National Clergy. May the consciousness that 
many are already departed in the Lord, who were distinguished by 
this spirit, and that many still survive who are drinking of the 
same fountain, encourage us to hope that this period is fast ap- 
proaching, and that the quality of the first fruits is the best pledge 
of an abundant and glorious harvest ; and while we pause over the 
graves of a Cecil, a Robinson, a Martyn, a Scott, and a Richmond, 
let us listen to the whisperings of that warning voice which tell us, 
" Be ye followers of them, who through faith and patience have in- 
herited the promises." 

If too our brethren will pardon the solicitude which prompts 
the appeal, we would respectfully address them in the impressive 
words of Bishop Taylor. 

" God gives of his spirit to all men, but you he hath made the 
ministers of his Spirit. You are, and are to be respectively, that 
considerable part of mankind, by whom God intends to plant holi- 
ness in the world ; by you God means to reign in the hearts of men ; 
and therefore you are to be finst in this kind, and consequently the 
measure of all the rest. You are the choicest of his choice, the 
elect of his election, a church picked out of the church. They 
are to be examples of good life to one another ; but you are to be 
examples even of the examples themselves. You may be innocent, 
and yet not * zealous of good works;' but if you be not this, you 
are not good ministers of Jesus Christ. You must be excellent, 
not ' tanquam unus de' populo^^ but ' tanquam homo Dei ;' not 
after the common manner of men, but ' after God's own heart ;' not 
only pure, but shining: not only blameless, but didactic, in your 
lives : that as by your sermons you preach in season, so by your 
lives you may preach out of season ; that is, at all seasons, and to 
all men; that they, seeing your good works, may glorify God on 
your behalf, and on their own."* 

And oh ! how great and transcend ant will be the reward of the 
Christan pastor who has laboured with patience, and has not faint- 

♦ See Bishop Taylor's Sermon, entitled, ? The Minister's Duty in Life and 
Doctrine.* 



362 MEMOIRS OF REV. LEGH RICHMOND. 

ed, and who shall at length reap the harvest of an eternal blessed- 
ness ! His trials may, in numerous instances, be signal, as in the 
case of Legh Richmond ; and successive purifying dispensations 
may be the ordained messengers of God's providence, and necessary 
to accomplish the mysterious purposes of his grace ; but the days 
of mourning shall have an end, and the year of recompense is at 
hand. And then how justly may we apply the animating language 
recorded in the Volume of inspiration :— "AVlio are these which 
are arrayed in white robes ? And whence came they ? And I said 
unto him, sir, thou knowest. And he said to me. These are they 
who came out of great tribulation, and have washed their robes, and 
made them white in the blood of the Lamb. Therefore are they 
before the throne of God, and serve him day and night in his tem- 
ple : and he that sitteth on the throne shall dwell among them. 
They shall hunger no more, neither thirst any more : neither shall 
the sun light on them, nor any heat. For the Lamb, which is in 
the midst of the throne, shall feed them, and shall lead them unto 
living fountains of waters ; and God shall wipe away all tears 
from their eyes."* 

♦ Rev. vii. 13—17. 



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